This is contrary to what I and others expected. The USC Trojans trail in overtime and the TCU Horned Frogs win a bowl game to end the 2025 season. The return of Jaden Maiava and special performances from Tanuk Hines and Kim Miller didn’t stop the Trojans from entering the 2026 season with more questions and more pressure to win.
Here are my five expectations for the USC Trojans’ Alamo Bowl game against TCU:
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Jayden Maiava throws for 300 yards
“This is the perfect way for Maiava to show USC Trojans fans and the rest of college football that he’s back with more than just a great performance in a bowl win. Maiava will lose his top receivers and top tight ends, but it will be a great opportunity to build new connections with young men. Tanook Hines will be Maiava’s first option in this bowl game and the star potential he’s shown this season will be realized as he gets more targets. I’m expecting a big performance from Maiava. Hines and the connection he has with Mayava shows that could be lethal in 2026. The Trojans have one of the best ball-handlers in the country and a quarterback who can execute at a high level; if TCU doesn’t know it already, they will as Mayava will throw for 300 yards and play MVP. level performance.”
This wasn’t a 300-yard passing performance, nor was it a performance where Maiava looked sharp and dominant. Mayawa looked more uncomfortable than he has this year, and with the offensive miscues, Mayawa and the offense didn’t look right. Mayava missed a field goal and had 2 interceptions. That performance shouldn’t cost him his starting job, but it’s definitely a concern.
king miller wild
“In TCU’s loss this season, each game was a big day on the opponent’s field. Arizona State’s Raleek Brown had 134 yards and 6.4 yards per carry in the win over TCU. Iowa State’s Carson Hansen ran for 108 yards and a touchdown against TCU. This will be a good matchup against one of the best rushing offenses in the country, USC, against TCU. Similar results. King Miller is getting better every week and this upcoming bowl game will be the perfect time to show that. I think King Miller will burn the Horned Frogs for 120 yards and run for 2 touchdowns.”
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Although King Miller did not exceed 100 yards in this game, his 99 yards landing was still very dominant. He’s picked up where he left off and should be even better in the 2026 season. With Waymond Jordan as his running mate, the Trojans’ running game will be even stronger next season.
Jakeem Stewart Dominates
“Bow games are a great opportunity to give the young guys on your team a chance to shine. Defensive tackle Jakeem Stewart has been outstanding in key football games for the Trojans this season, like his interception against Iowa State that changed the game and gained momentum. Stewart’s performance against TCU “There’s going to be a lot of plays in this game. I thought Stewart made a lot of tackles and had at least one sack in this game. Stewart is one of the guys that the Trojans have to be excited about heading into next year and he’s going to put that concept on full display against TCU.”
Many of the Trojans’ freshmen and young prospects shined against TCU as they gained valuable experience and reps. Jakeem Stewart is not one of them. Jakeem Stewart missed the Alamo Bowl with a stress fracture. This opened the door for many other young players on the defensive line, such as Cameryn Crawford, who had two sacks on the day.
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De’Anton Lynn and Trojans defense take advantage of backup quarterback Ken Sears
“With Josh Hoover transferring, backup quarterback Ken Sears will take over. The Seals have only thrown for 24 yards this season. This is a great opportunity for Lynn to have a dominant defensive performance for the final time this season. I think the Trojans’ defense will be the Seals’ team at TCU. In his first start, he won’t forget that for all the wrong reasons. I thought the Trojans’ defense beat the Seals five times and they knocked him down twice. It will be nice to see some flashes from the young guys on defense and having a quarterback with limited experience on offense should lead to that.”
De’Anton Lynn resigned as defensive coordinator before the bowl game and took over the role at his alma mater, Penn State. The Trojans’ defense has actually been more aggressive in Lynn’s absence than it has been all season. Unfortunately for them, they ended the game in their least aggressive way all season. The Trojans lost this game on a 3rd and 20 touchdown. All the excitement built by the Trojans’ young defense was overshadowed by the final play. Ken Seals looked great in his first start for TCU and did enough to secure the win.
Trojans win convincingly
“TCU has struggled this season against tough opponents, as they did in their 44-13 loss to BYU. Regardless of whether USC lost players in their pre-draft preparation, they have yet to face an offense like the USC Trojans. USC College is still a nightmare offense and I think USC will pull away early in this game. I think the Trojans win with multiple possessions and Lincoln Riley is the cherry on top of a season full of improvement.”
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The Trojans looked good, but the only thing they were convincing about was their defensive ferocity on their final drive and final play. It could have been a disappointing end for Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Review of Micah Huff’s USC football vs. TCU predictions
