The USC Trojans are heading into the Alamo Bowl without two of their most electric offensive weapons, but head coach Lincoln Riley isn’t sounding any alarms. Instead, he’s leaning into the depth and young talent that’s been waiting in the wings all season. With a 9-3 record and ranked wins over Michigan and Iowa, USC has shown it can hang with the best - but now comes the real test: can they do it without their top two wideouts?
No Lane, No Lemon - Big Shoes to Fill
Let’s start with the obvious. Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon opting out to prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft leaves a massive hole in the Trojans’ passing game. These two weren’t just key contributors - they were the passing game for much of the season.
- Ja’Kobi Lane: 49 catches, 745 yards, 4 touchdowns
- Makai Lemon: 79 catches, 1,156 yards, 11 touchdowns
Combined, they accounted for more than half of USC’s total receiving production. That’s not just a loss - that’s a full system reboot.
But if there’s one thing bowl season has taught us over the years, it’s that it’s also a proving ground. And for USC, this is a chance to see what the next wave of playmakers can do under the lights.
Tanook Hines: The Freshman with Big Game Swagger
Enter Tanook Hines. The true freshman wideout has already shown flashes of brilliance this season, and now he’s being handed the keys to the offense. Hines earned the No. 3 receiver spot early on - no small feat considering the depth in USC’s receiver room - and he made the most of it.
His 28 catches for 398 yards and two touchdowns don’t tell the whole story. What does?
That breakout game against Oregon, where he torched the Ducks for 141 yards and a touchdown. That performance wasn’t just a highlight - it was a statement.
Now, with Lane, Lemon, and tight end Lake McRee all out, Hines is the go-to guy. This is his shot not just to shine in the Alamo Bowl, but to plant his flag as WR1 heading into 2026.
Next Men Up: Simms and Ison Look to Make Their Mark
Behind Hines, it’s time for some fresh faces to step up. True freshmen Corey Simms and Romero Ison haven’t had much of a chance to showcase their skills yet - Simms has just one catch for six yards this season - but that could change quickly in San Antonio.
There’s precedent here. Just two years ago, Lane and Lemon were in this exact spot - underclassmen getting their shot in the Holiday Bowl because of opt-outs.
They responded by helping USC to a win over Louisville and launching themselves into starring roles. Simms and Ison now have that same opportunity to turn a bowl game into a breakout moment.
And make no mistake: Lincoln Riley is watching. He’s said before that bowl performances can influence offseason decisions - including how aggressively the staff hits the transfer portal. A big night from either freshman could shift the conversation about USC’s 2026 receiving corps in a hurry.
Veteran Steady Hand: Jaden Richardson’s Role Grows
While the young guys get their shot, don’t overlook the importance of veteran presence. Jaden Richardson isn’t flashy, but he’s reliable - and that matters in a game like this. He’s appeared in every game this season, tallying 10 catches for 117 yards, and he’s been a steady hand in a crowded receiver room.
Against a TCU defense that’s giving up 242 passing yards per game, Richardson’s experience and route-running savvy could be a stabilizing force. He may not put up gaudy numbers, but don’t be surprised if he’s the guy making the key third-down catch or settling into the soft spot in the zone when USC needs a drive extender.
A Glimpse at the Future
This Alamo Bowl isn’t just about closing out the 2025 season - it’s about setting the tone for 2026. With Lane and Lemon gone, and other offensive pieces likely to move on, this is a glimpse at what’s next for the Trojans. It’s a chance for Hines to show he’s ready to be the guy, for Simms and Ison to prove they belong, and for Richardson to remind everyone that leadership matters.
USC may be short-handed, but they’re not short on talent. And in bowl season, that’s often the difference between a flat finish and a statement win.