Makai Lemon NFL combine interview, revisited: Why USC receiver went viral

Former Southern California receiver Makai Lemon will be one of the highest-selected receivers of the 2026 NFL Draft after winning the Biletnikoff Award, which is given to college football's top receiver, in 2025. While his ability on the field speaks for itself — 79 receptions for 1,156 yards with 11 touchdowns — he didn't quite help himself off the field at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. NFL DRAFT HUB: Everything to know of the 2026 NFL Draft Lemon went viral for the wrong reasons during interview sessions with reporters before the combine, as his demeanor was mocked by the world of sports media.

He has since apologized and said he has learned from the ensuing concerns following his interview. "It was a learning experience, definitely," he told reporters on Wednesday, April 22, a day before the NFL draft. "How to carry myself more professionally.

I definitely didn't expect it to look like that, but I'll learn from it and be better moving forward. " It's unclear if the interview session will have any impact on his draft stock, but he's still expected to be a first-round pick, regardless. Here's a look back at his interview session and what happened: Makai Lemon NFL combine interview, revisited Nothing Lemon said during his NFL Scouting Combine interview with reporters was out of the ordinary.

It was his posture and demeanor that made his session go viral. Lemon answered questions with a stern look on his face, while swaying back and forth at times. The most viral clip of Lemon's interview came when he was asked what NFL receiver he looks up to.