Makai
"The Tornado"
Lemon
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Makai Lemon's Biography
The year 2023 marked the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans football team’s participation in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season. Being a part of the Pac-12 conference, the squad represented the university and showcased formidable athleticism and teamwork throughout the season. Under the guidance of head coach Lincoln Riley, who was in his second year at the helm, the Trojans were prepared to emulate their predecessors’ successes on the field. However, the Trojans finished the season with a 7-5 record, accumulating losses towards the end of the season.
The Trojans started off the season heading into 6 triumphant matchups against various teams. Unfortunately, the winning streak came to a halt as they lost 5 of their last six games. Inclusion to these losses was their defeats against long-time adversaries, Notre Dame and UCLA. Despite not being ranked, the Trojans showcased significant resilience in the 2023 Holiday Bowl, defeating the 16th ranked Louisville.
The season also marked the end of the Trojans’ time in the Pac-12 conference, with the team set to join the Big Ten Conference come July 1, 2024. Meanwhile, their home turf remained the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. Amidst an atmosphere filled with anticipation and excitement, the USC’s spring football game was held on April 15 at this iconic venue. The defense, representing the white team, emerged victorious against the offense (red team) with a score of 42-34.
Further into the year, on July 21, the Trojans attended the Pac-12 Media Day at Las Vegas, Nevada. Head coach Lincoln Riley, quarterback Caleb Williams and linebacker Mason Cobb were in attendance, representing the Trojans. USC was chosen as the potential winner of the conference, receiving 25 out of a possible 36 first-place votes.
Throughout the season, the Trojans faced significant changes with up to 23 players leaving via transfer and a new set of 16 joining the squad. According to 247 Sports, USC managed to attract the second-best transfer class in the country.
The Trojans also signed 22 players in the 2023 recruitment cycle. Eight of these new signees were ranked as top prospects in the ESPN 300 list. USC concluded the recruitment phase ranked eighth by 247Sports. Alongside this, USC added five walk-ons during the national signing period. These additions bagged USC a place in the top 5 transfer portal class. Despite some players’ rankings by ESPN, On3.com, Rivals.com, and 247Sports.com indicating four stars, players Malachi Nelson and Zachariah Branch emerged with a five-star composite rating by 247Sports.
As for the overall class rankings for 2023, USC came out with different players being recognized for their skills and playing potential. Members of the Trojans were listed in the first team, second team, and honorable mention in the All-Pac-12 list.
In conclusion, the 2023 season was filled with highs and lows for the USC Trojans. Despite the losses and transfers, the team showcased steadfast athleticism and character. As they look forward to a new journey in the Big Ten Conference, the Trojans made an undeniably significant impact during their last season within the Pac-12.