Trojans shift into offseason mode after overtime loss to TCU in Alamo Bowl

The USC Trojans fell to TCU in the Alamo Bowl, losing 30-27 in overtime. The defeat concludes USC’s season with a 9-4 record and drops Lincoln Riley’s bowl game record at the program to 2-2 over his four seasons.

USC entered this matchup without many of its 2025 starters or key contributors, providing an important opportunity for younger players to gain valuable experience against a strong opponent. In large part, that objective was achieved.

Many will note that the team fielded for the Alamo Bowl was a reduced version of the program’s true talent and not an accurate reflection of its overall capabilities, which is likely accurate.

Nevertheless, the Trojans played a competitive game in which the score mattered and a trophy was at stake, and surrendering a ten-point lead with under ten minutes remaining will serve as a significant setback in momentum heading into winter workouts beginning January 26.

Quarterback Jayden Maiava struggled throughout the night, and USC paid the price. Missing their top two receivers, Lemon and Lane, Maiava was expected to maximize the output from the remaining talent. In the case of Tanook Hines, that potential was clear, as the freshman hauled in six receptions for 163 yards, cementing his status as a future star and likely leader of the receiving corps in 2026.

However, Maiava’s two interceptions, including one in the red zone, proved costly, as he was uncharacteristically careless with the ball. While his progress and momentum this season should not be overlooked, this performance will be one he aims to put behind him when USC faces Fresno State on Sept. 5 next year.

The turning point of the game, and where the Trojans ultimately fell short, came in the fourth quarter and overtime. USC was outscored 16-6 during that stretch, and defensive lapses especially in executing tackles gave TCU the opening they needed to take control.

It was well-documented that Danton Lynn would not be joining the Trojans during the game after accepting the Penn State job, and while Eric Henderson did a commendable job filling in, the Trojans lacked defensive cohesion throughout the night.

The game-winning touchdown in overtime came on a third-and-20 dump-off pass that saw multiple Trojans fail to make a play. This will be the final image USC fans have of the defense before next season, leaving many uneasy as it bore an uncanny resemblance to the defensive struggles fielded under Alex Grinch.

As mentioned earlier, this was a valuable opportunity for the young players on the roster to gain experience. Alex Graham and Kam Crawford tied for the team lead in tackles with six, while the defense recorded three sacks on the night. King Miller once again surpassed 100 rushing yards and will join Waymond Jordan in forming an outstanding running back group next season.

Hines demonstrated that the future WR1 is already on campus, and Maiava showed a strong likelihood of performing at a high level. He will likely be on the shortlist of Heisman favorites at the start of next season. Nevertheless, the Trojans ended the season with a loss and fell short of ten wins. While significant progress was made this year, there is still much work to be done.