Alamo Bowl loss shows USC has plenty to look forward, but still needs more

The USC Trojans fell just short against TCU in overtime at this year’s Alamo Bowl, but they still gave fans plenty to be excited about for next season. There were thrilling plays throughout the night from what was ultimately a very young Trojans squad.

Winners

Tanook Hines, WR

The Trojans just celebrated their WR1, Maki Lemon, winning the Biletnikoff Award for the best receiver in the country. True freshman and season-long starter Tanook Hines may have hinted during the Alamo Bowl that another legendary player at the position is on the rise. Hines was outstanding all night, hauling in six catches for 163 yards. It was his best yardage performance of the season and sparked plenty of optimism about his expanded role in the offense next year.

King Miller, RB

The walk-on running back, who has already announced that he has re-signed with the Trojans for next year, once again topped the century mark on the ground. His 104 yards and one touchdown capped off what was a productive, electric, and entertaining season for the ball carrier. Miller will be a key part of the offense next season, as he and Waymond Jordan have the potential to be one of, if not the best, running back duo in the Big Ten.

Losers

Momentum

The Trojans were riding a wave of momentum not seen in Troy for quite some time. Fresh off celebrating a No. 1 recruiting class and boasting players who earned national recognition as All-Americans and individual awards, the prospect of a ten-win season seemed within reach—until it wasn’t. Even without fielding their most competitive team, they still had a shot at winning a nationally recognized bowl game against a strong opponent but fell short in overtime.

Despite the loss, the offseason still holds promise with the opening of a new football facility and USC’s continued projection as a recruiting powerhouse. Still, the sting will linger, as Jayden Maiava failed to put strong plays on film and will carry that bitter taste through the offseason.

Defensive Culture

USC is on the hunt for a new defensive coordinator, which, depending on who you ask, might be a positive move. Still, the TCU game made it clear the defense remains a work in progress, and the Trojans need to nail this hire. The defensive culture seems unchanged, with missed tackles and an overall lackadaisical effort. Maybe the team just didn’t get up for the bowl game, but that’s no excuse. All eyes will be on the defense this season, and if fans don’t see progress by Fall 2026, things could get ugly in Troy.