In a surprising twist to one of college football's most storied rivalries, No. 19 Southern California benched its star wide receivers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane for the entire first quarter of Saturday night's regular-season finale against UCLA at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles. The decision, which USC officials did not explain publicly, left fans and observers speculating as the Trojans navigated an early offensive struggle without two of their most dynamic playmakers.
The USC-UCLA matchup, known as the Victory Bell game, has been a Thanksgiving weekend tradition since 1929, with the teams vying for bragging rights in the City of Angels. This year's edition carried added weight for the Trojans, who entered the contest with a 7-4 record and hopes of securing a strong finish to bolster their postseason resume in the Big Ten Conference. UCLA, meanwhile, came in at 4-7, looking to play spoiler in front of a packed stadium of over 50,000 spectators under the cool November evening lights.
According to reports from the Associated Press, Lemon and Lane, both in their third seasons with the Trojans, stood on the sideline alongside their position group during USC's first two offensive series. The duo, who have emerged as one of the nation's premier receiver tandems in recent weeks, did not participate in any plays until the team's third drive, which spilled into the second quarter. Their absence was particularly notable given their contributions throughout the 2025 season, where they combined for explosive performances that helped USC climb into the top 20 rankings.
Makai Lemon, a standout from Sacramento, has been a focal point of USC's passing attack. As a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, recognizing the nation's top receiver, Lemon entered the game with impressive statistics: 78 receptions for 1,124 yards and 10 touchdowns. His rankings placed him among the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) leaders in every major receiving category, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and make contested catches. Lemon's development under head coach Lincoln Riley has been a bright spot for a program transitioning into the Big Ten after years in the Pac-12.
Ja'Kobi Lane, a transfer from USC's recruiting class, complemented Lemon's production with his own reliable output. Heading into the rivalry game, Lane had tallied 46 catches for 693 yards and four touchdowns. The pair's chemistry with quarterback Jayden Maiava had been evident in recent victories, including a thrilling upset over then-No. 6 Oregon two weeks prior, where Lemon hauled in a game-winning touchdown in overtime. Their benching raised immediate questions about potential disciplinary issues, injuries, or strategic choices by the coaching staff.
Without Lemon and Lane, USC turned to backups Jaden Richardson and Zacharyus Williams as the starting wideouts on the opening drive. The Trojans marched down the field efficiently, culminating in a touchdown run by walk-on running back King Miller, who burst through the UCLA defense for a 12-yard score. Miller, a local product from Pasadena, became an unlikely hero in the early going, giving USC a 7-0 lead just over five minutes into the game.
The momentum shifted on USC's second possession, however. Maiava, stepping in as the starter after an injury to the team's primary quarterback earlier in the season, struggled to find rhythm with the replacement receivers. The drive stalled at the UCLA 35-yard line, and a field goal attempt by kicker Denis Lynch was blocked by the Bruins' special teams unit, preventing USC from extending its lead. UCLA capitalized on the turnover in field position, answering with a field goal of their own to narrow the gap to 7-3 by the end of the first quarter.
USC head coach Lincoln Riley addressed the media post-quarter but offered no specifics on the benching. "We're just managing our roster as we see fit," Riley said in a brief sideline interview with ESPN broadcasters. He emphasized the depth of the receiving corps, noting that Richardson and Williams had prepared all week for increased roles. Riley's comments echoed a team-first approach, though he declined to elaborate on whether the decision was punitive or precautionary.
The USC-UCLA rivalry has long been defined by dramatic moments and intra-city tension. Dating back to their first meeting nearly a century ago, the series stands at 50-33-7 in favor of the Trojans, with USC holding the recent edge after winning the last four encounters. This game marked the 95th installment, and the stakes were heightened by conference realignment—both teams now compete in the Big Ten, adding a layer of intrigue to their crosstown battle.
For UCLA, the night represented a chance to salvage a disappointing season under first-year head coach DeShaun Foster. The Bruins' defense, led by linebacker Kain Medrano, showed resilience in the opening period, particularly on the blocked kick that swung momentum. Foster praised his team's effort in his halftime remarks, stating, "We knew coming in that USC has talent everywhere, but our guys stepped up when it mattered." Despite the lopsided record, UCLA's performance hinted at building blocks for the future.
As the second quarter unfolded, Lemon and Lane's return injected energy into the USC offense. On the third drive, Maiava connected with Lemon for a 28-yard completion on the first play, signaling a return to form. The Trojans' passing game, which ranks 15th nationally in yards per game, relies heavily on the big-play ability of its top receivers. Analysts noted that the brief benching might have been a wake-up call, though without official confirmation, speculation persisted among beat writers and fans on social media.
The broader context of USC's season adds depth to the story. The Trojans began 2025 with high expectations after a 2024 campaign that ended in controversy, including off-field issues that led to the dismissal of several players. Under Riley, USC has focused on discipline and development, with Lemon and Lane serving as exemplars of the program's progress. Their production has drawn NFL scout interest, with projections placing both in the first three rounds of the 2026 draft.
Looking ahead, the outcome of this game could influence USC's bowl destination. A victory would likely secure a spot in a New Year's Six matchup, while a loss might relegate them to a mid-tier bowl. UCLA, bowl-ineligible at 4-7, aims to end on a high note and build momentum for 2026 recruiting. As the clock ticked into the second half, both teams traded blows, with the rivalry's intensity on full display.
In the end, the benching of Lemon and Lane served as a microcosm of the unpredictability that defines college football. While USC declined to provide details, the episode underscored the fine line coaches walk between talent management and team unity. As the Trojans push for postseason glory, their star receivers' quick reintegration suggested any issues were short-lived, setting the stage for what promises to be a pivotal finish to the regular season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. For more on college football, follow The Appleton Times sports desk.