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

Makai Lemon went viral for his stern demeanor at the NFL Scouting Combine. Here's a look back at what happened, and why the USC receiver went viral:

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

Makai Lemon went viral for his stern demeanor at the NFL Scouting Combine. Here's a look back at what happened, and why the 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:

New Orleans SaintsTyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave #12 celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Washington CommandersTerry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders celebrates with Jayden Daniels #5 after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan.

New York GiantsJaxson Dart #6 and Cam Skattebo #44 of the New York Giants celebrate after Skattebo carried the ball into the endzone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on October 09, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Tennessee TitansHead coach Brian Callahan talks with Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 05, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona.

Cleveland BrownsShedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Dallas CowboysDak Prescott #4 and CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after their touchdown connection against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on November 27, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.

Las Vegas RaidersMaxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after a missed field goal during the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 07, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Miami DolphinsDe'Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins rushes for yards against Brandin Echols #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter of the game at Acrisure Stadium on December 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Kansas City ChiefsPatrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid interact against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

New York JetsHead coach Aaron Glenn of the New York Jets looks on during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between New York Jets and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on August 09, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

1 / 10The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draftNew Orleans SaintsTyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave #12 celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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

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

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

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