Tanook Hines' emergence opened the door for more freshmen to play for USC in 2026

A year ago, it became clear that Tanook Hines, was going be named a starter for one of the nation's premier offenses as a true freshman. In hindsight, typing those words feels completely natural after watching the Houston native's electrifying talent unfold over a full season of college football. But at the time, a true freshman claiming a starting role was a genuine surprise.

Hines arrived as a three-star recruit, ranked No. 65 at his position. While a respectable ranking, it hardly signaled a day-one impact player. Yet, Hines proved the evaluators wrong, racking up over 500 receiving yards and two explosive 100-yard performances down the stretch.

Now, his trajectory is undeniable. Hines is locked in as a starter once again and is poised to anchor an elite offense expected to dominate both conference and national rankings this season.

READ MORE: USC will have to live up to the endorsement it received from the preseason coaches' poll

Tanook Hines' success is a blueprint for this freshman class

It turns out Hines was just a prequel to what was going to happen in 2026. As surprising as it was for Hines to be a day-one starter, it is not surprising to suggest that the Trojans expect numerous true freshmen from the elite 2026 recruiting class to make an impact.

The most frequently mentioned name to start from day one is tight end Mark Bowman. The five-star recruit from Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) is widely considered one of the most college ready prospects in his entire recruiting class, and USC intends to deploy him accordingly.

READ MORE: Final rankings confirm the greatness of USC's historic recruiting class

There is little to no resistance to Bowman seeing the field early and often at tight end, with transfer Josiah Jefferson projected to garner snaps as well. His NIL package is one of the more considerable ones in the 2026 class and is reportedly a multi-year agreement.

Unlike Hines a year ago, Mark Bowman carries the star ranking and reputation of someone who is anticipated to be a day-one impact player. While it is risky to rely on true freshmen, Bowman played in the Trinity League, the most difficult division in high school football, to prepare himself for this moment.

Another name to watch is Luke Wafle. The No. 1 player in the country historically plays early for their college program and Wafle is no different. The five-star edge rusher from New Jersey is also expected to get a healthy amount of snaps on the defensive line.

Wafle will likely be plugged in to play in various situations and moments. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him at the top of the final depth chart, and it will be even less of a surprise when he plays substantial snaps throughout the season

Other names to consider include wide receiver Trent Mosley, another Trinity League prospect who was coached by USC legend Carson Palmer. Mosley is an electric four-star prospect whom the Trojans got in on early and is reportedly anticipated to be a major factor on special teams.

He will also share snaps on offense and get plenty of run in the passing game as Jayden Maiava looks for Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane replacements. Additionally, safety commit Madden Riordan who, you guessed it, is another Trinity League prospect has made waves. These young Trojans stand to be very good in a new Gary Patterson defense, and Riordan making waves as a true freshman in fall camp should not be taken lightly.

There is an arsenal of others who will receive playing time and carve out their own paths on the team. USC recruited the number-one-ranked class in the country and intends to use as many members of that class as they can during their time at USC. But regardless of who plays as a true freshman this upcoming season, the shock and awe of Tanook Hines starting was just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to freshmen making an impact on the program.

Nicholas Burmood has been covering USC Athletics on Reign of Troy since 2025. Follow Nick on X @FightOnNick

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