Alamo Bowl Preview: TCU Faces a Shorthanded but Dangerous USC Squad
The stage is set in San Antonio. On Tuesday night, TCU and No.
16 USC will square off under the lights of the Alamodome in the Alamo Bowl, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. on ESPN. While both teams come in with solid records-TCU at 8-4 and USC at 9-3-the real storyline is how different these rosters look from just a month ago.
Between opt-outs, injuries, and the ever-active transfer portal, both squads will be missing key pieces. For TCU, the absence of quarterback Josh Hoover looms large.
On the other side, USC is down at least seven starters, including several of its top offensive weapons. But don’t let the depleted depth charts fool you-there’s still plenty of talent on the field, and this game offers a fascinating look at how two high-profile programs adapt under pressure.
Let’s break down what TCU fans need to know about this version of the Trojans.
Jayden Maiava: The Constant in the Chaos
While many of USC’s stars have opted out, one crucial piece remains: quarterback Jayden Maiava. And that alone makes the Trojans dangerous.
Maiava has had a breakout season, throwing for 3,431 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. He’s also added six rushing scores, showing off his dual-threat ability. What makes him especially dangerous is his knack for extending plays-using his legs not just to run, but to buy time and keep defenses guessing.
With so many of his top targets unavailable, don’t be surprised if USC leans even more on Maiava’s mobility. Whether it’s designed runs or improvisation, he’ll be the engine of this offense. And make no mistake-he might be the most talented quarterback TCU has faced all season.
A Rushing Attack Built for Depth
Even without a true headliner in the backfield, USC’s ground game has been one of the most effective units in the country. Averaging 174.2 rushing yards per game on 5.3 yards per carry, the Trojans have found success by committee-and that committee is led by someone familiar to Horned Frogs fans.
Running backs coach Anthony Jones, formerly on staff at TCU, has brought his rotation-heavy philosophy to Los Angeles. The result? A deep, balanced rushing attack that can wear down defenses.
Freshman King Miller leads the team with 873 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.7 yards per carry. Junior Waymond Jordan, who had been the team’s top rusher before an ankle injury sidelined him, is expected back for the bowl game. He’s posted 576 yards and five scores in just six games.
With reserve backs Eli Sanders out and Bryan Jackson in the transfer portal, freshman Riley Wormley-out of Southlake Carroll-could see his number called. He’s only logged two carries this season, but bowl games often serve as a launching pad for young talent.
Who’s Catching the Football?
This is where things get tricky for USC.
The Trojans will be without their top three pass catchers: Makai Lemon, Ja’Kobi Lane, and tight end Lake McRee. That trio accounted for over 2,300 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns. Lemon, in particular, leaves a massive void-he won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver after a dominant season with 1,156 yards and 11 scores.
So who steps in?
Freshman Tanook Hines is the name to watch. A four-star recruit, Hines has already shown flashes with 398 yards and two touchdowns.
He’ll likely be the go-to option in this game. Beyond that, it’s a mix of unproven but intriguing talent.
Senior Jaden Richardson and freshman Corey Simms have both seen the field this year, but they’ve combined for fewer than 200 yards.
It’s a big ask to replace that kind of production on short notice. The question is whether TCU’s defense can capitalize on the inexperience and force Maiava into uncomfortable situations.
A Defense in Transition
USC’s defense made real strides this season under defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, finishing 47th nationally in scoring defense and allowing 22.4 points per game. That’s the best defensive mark of the Lincoln Riley era-and a big reason why the Trojans stayed in the top 25.
But like the offense, the defense will be missing some key pieces.
Safety Kamari Ramsey and linebacker Eric Gentry have opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. Former five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart is out with an injury. And while All-American safety Bishop Fitzgerald and edge rusher Anthony Lucas haven’t officially opted out, both are dealing with injuries that could sideline them for the bowl.
Even so, this unit remains fundamentally sound and well-coached. Lynn has instilled a level of discipline and structure that’s been missing in recent years. The Trojans might not be at full strength, but they won’t be disorganized.
What It All Means for TCU
This game is less about who’s missing and more about who steps up. For TCU, the opportunity is clear: face a talented but depleted USC team and head into the offseason with momentum.
But don’t underestimate the Trojans. With Maiava under center and a deep backfield to lean on, USC still has the firepower to make life difficult. And while their receiving corps is thin, all it takes is one breakout performance to change the narrative.
The Horned Frogs will need to be sharp, especially on defense. If they can contain Maiava and force USC into predictable situations, they’ll have a real shot to control the game. But if the Trojans find rhythm early, this could turn into a shootout-even with the personnel losses on both sides.
One thing’s for sure: the Alamo Bowl may not feature the full-strength versions of TCU or USC, but it still has the ingredients for a compelling, high-stakes matchup.