Makai Lemon’s Next Big Play

USC’s Makai Lemon, college football’s top receiver last year, is getting ready for this month’s NFL draft, where he’s projected to be a first-round pick. But football isn’t all that’s on his mind.

As an athlete at the dawn of the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL)/revenue-sharing era, which allows college athletes to earn income – with some making millions of dollars annually – Lemon understands the risks and opportunities that come with newfound wealth.

“I'm just making sure that I’ve got my head on straight,” Lemon said. “As a young guy, a lot of distractions can, you know, come fast and can get you off your game.”

He added, “One of the most important things that NIL taught me was to think beyond today and how my decisions can affect my reputation and opportunities down the line.”

 

Building a Playbook for Prosperity

Unfortunately, too many NFL players don’t plan for life after football. While data is scarce, a 2015 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research estimated that about 1 in 6 NFL players drafted between 1996 and 2003 filed for bankruptcy within 12 years of retiring. An earlier report by Sports Illustrated was even bleaker, finding that 78% of former players ran into financial trouble within two years of retirement.

The causes? Bad investment advice, poor planning, and lavish spending, including on friends and family, according to the American Bankruptcy Institute.  Unexpected injuries can also cut careers short.

Lemon credits his parents for keeping him focused on achieving success both on and off the gridiron. He is surrounded by a team of trusted advisors, including his business manager (Joshua Sanchez, Unlimited Management), who he credits for stressing the importance of good habits — maintaining good credit, making a budget, and saving and investing wisely.

“I'm just making sure I set myself up to be successful when football is not around,” said Lemon.

“It’s important for young athletes to have a good banking partner to help them build a strong financial foundation,” said Charles Frazier, a senior vice president in City National’s Entertainment & Sports division. “Surrounding themselves with a solid team that can help them navigate the complexities of NIL is also critical.”

“Today’s student athletes  have to understand what they’re getting and giving up when they sign an NIL or revenue-share agreement,” Frazier said.

 

Greatness Passed Down the Field

Athletics runs in Lemon’s family. His great-uncle, Chet Lemon, was a star centerfielder who helped the Detroit Tigers win the 1984 World Series. Growing up, he enjoyed being outside, playing basketball, baseball, riding a bike or skateboarding. But he fell in love with the physical aspect of football and was encouraged by his dad, a former UNLV running back, who saw potential in Makai at a young age.

“Each and every day, to this day, (he’s) just pushing me to be great. A lot of early mornings, long nights, especially when I didn't want to train or go to practice – just seeing the greatness in me before I could even see it,” Lemon said.

 

Rising to First-Round Glory

In December, Lemon won the Biletnikoff Award as the outstanding receiver in the 2025 college football season. Lemon, a junior, caught 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Lemon’s success is a testament to his refusal to give up on his goals. “People forget about those little details and the things that separate yourself from the hundreds of guys that are also trying to be at that top spot,” Lemon said. “But the process is what is going to get you to that main goal.”

Lemon has decided to forego his senior year at USC to enter the NFL draft, which starts April 23. Analysts expect him to go in the first round. In the meantime, he’s focused on the day-to-day – working out, running routes, and honing his football knowledge.