USC’s passing game has a clear pressure point heading into 2026, and it sits with Terrell Anderson.
The Trojans lost starters Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane to the 2026 NFL Draft, opening up a big chunk of targets. That puts Anderson, the transfer from NC State, right in the middle of the spotlight. USA TODAY Sports listed him among the top 10 transfers in Big Ten football for 2026, and the case for why is pretty straightforward: he’s arriving with production and a real chance to step into a featured role.
Anderson finished the 2025 season with 39 receptions for 625 yards and five touchdowns. He was also ranked the No. 10 overall player in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports’ Composite rankings. At USC, he’ll be paired with returner Tanook Hines and catching passes from Jayden Maiava, one of the top returning quarterbacks nationally.
That setup gives USC a real chance to reload, but only if Anderson delivers. Lincoln Riley’s offense has usually funneled production to its top two receivers, and Anderson is expected to be one of them. The Trojans need him to match Hines and form a reliable 1-2 punch.
There’s more to it than just one or two playmakers, though. USC also needs depth receivers to emerge so Maiava can distribute the ball and keep defenses from keying on a small handful of targets. The Trojans can’t afford a thin receiver room if they want their passing game to jump from what it was in 2025.
And that’s why Anderson matters so much. USC has seen portal receiver additions fall short before, including Dorian Singer from Arizona a few seasons ago.
This time, the Trojans need the move to work. They need Anderson to hit.
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