Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

USC Trojans' Bowl Game Revealed Against Big 12 Opponent

Originally posted on USC Trojans on SI
By Caden Handwork | Last updated Dec 7, 2025 2:52 PM ET

The No. 16 USC Trojans enter bowl season with a 9-3 record and aim to reach 10 wins for the second time in the last four years under coach Lincoln Riley. With bowl matchups to be released on Sunday, in addition to the College Football Playoff bracket, USC is scheduled to play the TCU Horned Frogs in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Dec. 30 in San Antonio.

It will be USC's first appearance in the Alamo Bowl.

Surprising Opponent in the Alamo Bowl for USC Trojans

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As for which Big 12 team the Trojans would play, bowl projections by both ESPN and CBS Sports had had the Trojans playing either Houston or No. 11 BYU in the Alamo Bowl. As a result, the TCU matchup is somewhat of a surprise.

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In four seasons under Riley, the Trojans have a 2-1 bowl record, with their last two wins coming against Louisville (2023) and Texas A&M (2024). Riley’s one loss came in his first season, as the Caleb Williams-led Trojans fell 46-45 to the Tulane Green Wave in a Cotton Bowl thriller.

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With the potential for two high-powered offenses facing off in the Alamo Bowl, defense could play a crucial role in the game. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava and star wide receiver Makai Lemon will aim to finish off the 2025 season with a bowl victory.

What Finishing the Season With a Bowl Win Mean For USC?

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With USC aiming to finish the season on a high note and reach 10 wins, securing a victory in a bowl game is crucial for the Trojans' long-term future. With high expectations entering next season with the No. 1 2026 recruiting class coming in, capping off the year with 10 wins and a bowl game victory will give the Trojans momentum heading into the offseason.

USC fell just short of reaching the CFP with three losses on the road to Illinois (Sept. 27), No. 10 Notre Dame (Oct. 18), and No. 5 Oregon (Nov. 22). All three games on the road were in the Trojans' grasp, but self-inflicted mistakes and turnovers led to their defeat.

Many USC fans are disappointed that the Trojans fell short of reaching the playoff, which is another reason why ending the season with a bowl win will not only satisfy fans but cap off a year in which the program took a step in the right direction under Riley.

This article first appeared on USC Trojans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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