New USC WRs Have Chance to Shine vs. TCU in Alamo Bowl

A few weeks ago, when writing about the LA Bowl, I mentioned that bowls can take many different forms now, given the numerous variables surrounding college football at the moment.

At that time, I mentioned that I liked the quick bowl season opener for the Huskies, and it seemed like a stepping stone for next season. UW proved me right as they took care of things against Boise State.

I feel like the Alamo Bowl could be the same kind of thing for the Trojans to set the table ahead of spring practice and ultimately a 2026 season that could offer a ton of promise.

I preview the matchup between the Trojans and Horned Frogs here and give my picks straight-up, against the spread, and over/under.

No. 16 USC Trojans vs TCU Horned Frogs

Tuesday, December 30
6:00 PM PT, ESPN
Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
Bob Wischusen, Louis Riddick and Paul Carcaterra

Line: USC -6.5
Over/Under Total: 55.5

The high-powered passing attack for USC will be without Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, who are opting out of the game.

While that is obviously a blow to the USC offense, it also provides an opportunity—and one that could serve the Trojans well moving forward.

Jayden Maiava will still be behind center, and this will give him a practice period and game to get more reps with players who should be the go-to guys in 2026.

Most notably, Tanook Hines, who grew up in Houston, is just about four hours to the east of San Antonio.

The freshman caught 28 passes this season but should see a much larger role in this one, and I think he could be poised for a breakout performance in the Alamo Bowl.

TCU running back Jeremy Payne | Jerome Miron/Imagn Images

TCU was 108th against the pass this season and the Trojans should be able shred the Frogs through the air. Look for Hines to do the bulk of that and give us a preview of the Trojans 2026 attack.

On offense, TCU can also sling it around the field but will need to do so in the Alamo Bowl without Josh Hoover. The nation’s fourth-leading passer this season has entered the portal and the QB spot will fall to Ken Seals.

Seals is a senior who attempted just six passes this season, completing four of them. He does have experience and was the starter for Vanderbilt before transferring to Fort Worth after the 2023 season.

Look for D’Anton Lynn’s defense to crank up the heat against him.

I think we could see a lot of points on the board, but the Trojans should pull away a bit in the end and have a strong showing to carry momentum into next season.

Outright Winner: USC
Against the Spread: USC 
Over/Under: Over