The No. 16-ranked USC Trojans have had an excellent season, posting a 9-3 record entering Tuesday’s Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. USC will go up against the TCU Horned Frogs, who come into this bowl game with an 8-4 overall mark.
USC found itself in a stacked Big Ten Conference this season, finishing behind Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon – three College Football Playoff teams. But the Trojans are definitely no pushovers, something TCU head coach Sonny Dykes probably has drilled into his team.
Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley has done a solid job in helping the Trojans put together some strong play when hitting the field.
USC Trojans Opt-Outs and Injury Report
USC will be without wide receiver Makai Lemon, who has opted out of the Valero Alamo Bowl. He’s declared his intentions to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, hoping to land a spot with an NFL team next year. Lemon totaled 1,156 receiving yards and 11 touchdown catches on the season for the Trojans.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava will run the Trojans’ offense. This season, Maiava has thrown for 3,431 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. When the Big Ten school wants to run the ball, it puts that ball in the hands of running back King Miller. He’s totaled 873 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the season.
TCU Horned Frogs Opt-Outs and Injury Report
As for TCU, quarterback Josh Hoover, who has been the starting QB for the Horned Frogs this season, will not play in the Valero Alamo Bowl. He’s headed to the transfer portal, hoping to land with another college football program.
Since Hoover is gone, the Horned Frogs will turn to senior quarterback Ken Seals. Seals, a Texas native, had played for three seasons with Vanderbilt before transferring to be nearer to his family and friends.
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In his time with the Commodores, Seals passed for 4,389 yards and threw 29 touchdown passes. He started 22 games for Vanderbilt during his time with the SEC school.
Wide receiver Eric McAlister will be a big target for Seals to try and connect with in the Valero Alamo Bowl. So far this season, McAlister has 64 catches and 10 touchdown receptions. The TCU run game is anchored by running back Jeremy Payne, who has 550 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns this season.
How to Watch the Valero Alamo Bowl
The Valero Alamo Bowl will be shown on ESPN.
- Date: Tuesday, Dec. 30
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Place: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
- TV: ESPN
Bob Wischusen will call the action during Tuesday’s bowl game while Louis Riddick provides commentary from the booth. Dana Boyle will be the Valero Alamo Bowl’s sidelines reporter for ESPN.
Streaming options for the Valero Alamo Bowl include the ESPN app, Fubo, Sling, and Hulu + Live. Subscriptions might be necessary for some of these platforms, too.
