Quick Read
- USC faces TCU in the 2025 Alamo Bowl with a 9-3 record.
- Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn departs for Penn State after the bowl.
- USC-Notre Dame rivalry is paused until at least 2030 due to failed negotiations.
The University of Southern California (USC) football program stands at a crossroads as 2025 draws to a close. The Trojans, prepping for their Alamo Bowl showdown against TCU, face not only a formidable opponent but also internal and external changes that will shape the team’s future.
This season was defined by more than wins and losses. Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, who helped steady a struggling unit over the past two years, is set to depart for Penn State after the bowl game (247Sports, Los Angeles Times). Lynn’s tenure brought incremental improvements: USC’s defense, which languished near the bottom of national rankings in 2023, managed to climb to No. 33 in DFEI (Drive Efficiency) in 2024. But consistency remained elusive. Injuries in the secondary, a lack of pass rush, and persistent issues in defending both the run and pass left the Trojans exposed in key moments.
The defensive struggles were evident in the numbers. USC allowed an average of 34.5 points per game during the 2023 season, ranking 120th in rushing defense and 107th against the pass. By 2025, the unit improved but still showed vulnerabilities, especially against top-tier opponents. Anthony Lucas was the lone edge rusher to earn a strong pass-rush grade, highlighting the need for depth and development at key positions.
As the Trojans head into the Alamo Bowl, they do so without standout safeties Bishop Fitzgerald and Kamari Ramsey, both sidelined by injuries. Fitzgerald, a consensus first-team All-American and interception leader in the Big Ten, was a difference-maker, particularly in red-zone situations. Ramsey’s versatility, stepping into both communication and nickel duties, will be missed against a TCU squad eager to capitalize on any defensive lapses (247Sports).
Off the field, the end of the storied USC-Notre Dame rivalry cast a shadow over the season. Head coach Lincoln Riley voiced his disappointment at Notre Dame’s refusal to extend the series, despite repeated assurances that the Irish would play «anytime, anywhere». Negotiations broke down after Notre Dame quickly scheduled Brigham Young for the next two years, leaving USC without its marquee non-conference matchup until at least 2030 (Los Angeles Times). For Riley, who is 1-3 against Notre Dame in his tenure, the absence of this tradition is a significant loss for college football’s landscape.
The rivalry, which began in 1926, has survived world wars and pandemic disruptions, but now sits in limbo due to scheduling conflicts and shifting priorities in an era dominated by playoff implications and conference realignment. With both programs boasting a combined 24 national championships and over 1,000 NFL draftees, the rivalry’s hiatus is felt deeply by fans and alumni alike.
Despite these challenges, the Trojans have shown resilience. USC finished the regular season 9-3, highlighted by a 29-10 victory over UCLA and gritty wins over Iowa and Nebraska (The Victory Podcast). Quarterback Jayden Maiava led an explosive offense, throwing for over 3,000 yards, while the running game ranked among the nation’s best in Rush EPA per play. The Trojans’ balance on offense provided a buffer against defensive shortcomings, often allowing them to outpace opponents even when the defense faltered.
Looking to the Alamo Bowl, the matchup against TCU promises drama. The Horned Frogs will be without star quarterback Josh Hoover, who entered the transfer portal after throwing for nearly 3,500 yards and 29 touchdowns this season (VSIN). This gives USC a statistical edge, especially in passing efficiency and rushing attack. Odds makers favor the Trojans (-6.5), noting that USC’s Dropback EPA per play far outpaces TCU’s, even when Hoover was under center.
But bowl games are rarely predictable. TCU’s home-field advantage in San Antonio and their ability to disrupt opponents’ rhythm make them a dangerous adversary. For USC, the game is more than a season finale—it’s a chance to send departing seniors off with a win, evaluate emerging talent, and set the tone for 2026, where a new defensive coordinator and continued offensive evolution will be crucial.
Meanwhile, the Women of Troy basketball team provided a bright spot, pulling off a ranked road win against Nebraska, showcasing depth and defensive tenacity despite foul trouble. Four players finished in double figures, underlining the program’s balanced approach and capacity to adapt under pressure (247Sports).
Beyond the headlines, the broader USC athletic department continues to invest in performance and development, with new hires and expanded podcast coverage giving fans deeper insight into the process behind the results (The Victory Podcast). Coaches like Rob Ryan and Chad Savage are shaping the next generation, emphasizing leadership, chemistry, and adaptability in an ever-shifting collegiate sports landscape.
As the Trojans prepare for their bowl test and a future defined by change, the program’s legacy—built on tradition, rivalry, and resilience—remains a guiding force. Whether on the gridiron or in negotiations behind closed doors, USC continues to pursue excellence and meaningful competition, even as the path forward grows more complex.
The facts tell a story of transition: coaching turnover, rivalry disruption, and the relentless push to improve. For USC, 2025 is a year of reckoning—a time to embrace challenges, honor tradition, and lay the groundwork for what comes next. The Alamo Bowl isn’t just an ending; it’s a beginning.