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On Tuesday night, USC closed out its 2025 season with a heartbreaking 30-27 overtime loss to TCU in the Alamo Bowl. With the defeat, the Trojans finished their 2025 campaign with a record of 9-4.
What did we learn from the game? Here are a few key takeaways:
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That was embarrassing
Not everything about this game was negative for USC. But make no mistake about it, this was completely and totally embarrassing. The Trojans had every opportunity to win the football game, and somehow found a way to blow it in excruciating fashion.
Late collapse
USC led by 10 points with under five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but the Trojans found a way to blow the lead, as TCU scored on back-to-back drives in the final minutes to send the contest to overtime.
Atrocious final play
Then, there was the final play of the game. With USC leading 27-24 in overtime, TCU faced a 3rd-and-20 from the Trojans’ 35-yard line. The Horned Frogs needed some yardage just to make it a more reasonable field goal attempt to try and send the game to a second OT.
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Instead, they converted a 35-yard walk-off touchdown on a screen pass up the sideline. It was an atrocious play by USC’s defense, turning victory into defeat in the blink of an eye.
Tanook Hines a bright spot
There were some bright spots in the loss, perhaps the biggest of which being wide receiver Tanook Hines. With Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane opting out of the gam, Hines stepped up, catching six passes for 163 yards. Hines looks like he could be the next great receiver to come through USC.
A sour taste
Had USC held on and pulled out the victory, the Trojans would have finished the season with 10 wins, the No. 1 recruiting class in the country coming in, and lots of momentum. Instead, the loss leaves a bitter taste that should linger in USC’s mouth for the next eight months.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football falls 30-27 to TCU in Alamo Bowl: Key takeaways
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