Overview
- The award was announced during the College Football Awards show, with Lemon edging finalists Jeremiah Smith and UConn’s Skyler Bell.
- Lemon finished with 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns, earned the nation’s highest PFF receiver grades, and added two rushing scores plus a touchdown pass.
- Smith posted 80 catches for 1,086 yards and 11 touchdowns, won Big Ten Receiver of the Year, and was the only wideout to place inside the Heisman top 10.
- Fans and some media labeled the outcome a snub, and Smith posted a pointed social message suggesting on‑field motivation for the postseason.
- Lemon becomes USC’s second Biletnikoff winner after Marqise Lee, the trophy banquet is set for March 28, 2026 in Tallahassee, USC heads to the Alamo Bowl with Lemon’s status undisclosed, and Ohio State awaits the Miami–Texas A&M winner in the Cotton Bowl.