Zach Hanson’s job this season wasn’t easy - far from it. USC’s offensive line coach had to navigate a minefield of injuries, reshuffling his starting five more times than most teams do in a two-year span.
Seven different starting combinations took the field for the Trojans this year, and that’s just how they opened games. In between the whistles, Hanson had to adapt on the fly as more injuries forced in-game changes.
Yet somehow, amid all the chaos, the Trojan offense didn’t just survive - it thrived.
USC wrapped up the regular season as the No. 2 offense in the Big Ten in OFEI scoring efficiency. That’s a testament to the resilience and adaptability of an offensive line that didn’t feature a single all-conference selection.
No headlines, no individual accolades - just a group of guys doing the heavy lifting in the shadows. That’s the life of an offensive lineman, and this year, USC’s front five embodied that gritty, thankless ethos as well as any unit in the country.
Now, Hanson has one more challenge on his plate.
The Trojans are gearing up for the Valero Alamo Bowl against TCU on Dec. 30 at the Alamodome in San Antonio (6:00 p.m. PST, ESPN).
And once again, USC is piecing together a roster built for a one-off game. This isn’t new territory for Lincoln Riley’s program - they’ve done this dance before.
Two years ago, they pulled it off in the Holiday Bowl against Louisville. Last year, it was a Las Vegas Bowl win over Texas A&M.
Different bowl, same blueprint: build a short-term roster, get the job done.
As we head into bowl week, it’s time to take a closer look at the offensive line - a group that’s been through the wringer but keeps showing up.
Roster Uncertainty Looms
Several players across the roster - including key offensive linemen - haven’t formally announced their plans for 2026. Among those still undecided are:
- Aaron Dunn
- Alex Payne
- Elijah Paige
- Alani Noa
- Elijah Vaikona
Paige and Noa, two starters, are particularly important names to watch. While their 2026 status remains unannounced, both are included on USC’s official Alamo Bowl roster. That’s a good sign for a unit that could use all the stability it can get heading into a matchup with a TCU team known for bringing pressure.
Confirmed Linemen for the Alamo Bowl
USC’s game notes for the Alamo Bowl list the offensive linemen who are locked in and ready to go. While the full depth chart hasn’t been released publicly, the inclusion of Paige and Noa suggests USC will have at least a portion of its starting line intact for the finale.
The Trojans’ offensive line has been a patchwork quilt all season - stitched together with next-man-up mentality and a whole lot of coaching ingenuity. Hanson deserves credit for keeping the unit functional despite the revolving door of personnel. But as the Alamo Bowl approaches, that same adaptability will be tested once again.
USC’s offense has shown it can operate at a high level even when the foundation isn’t perfect. But against a physical TCU front, the battle in the trenches will be critical. If the Trojans can get a solid performance from a line that’s been through it all this season, they’ll give themselves a real shot to close out the year with a win.
One more game. One more chance for this group to show that consistency isn’t always about keeping the same faces on the field - sometimes, it’s about showing up, adjusting, and delivering no matter who’s in the lineup.