Overview
- USC will face TCU in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Dec. 30 in San Antonio after finishing the regular season 9–3.
- Riley said safety Kamari Ramsey, receivers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane, tight end Lake McRee and linebacker Eric Gentry will not play, with Lane declaring for the NFL draft.
- Offensive linemen Elijah Paige and Kilian O'Connor and defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart had surgery and are ruled out of the bowl.
- Riley noted Anthony Lucas and Bishop Fitzgerald are injured yet hoping to play, with their availability still to be determined.
- The coach emphasized expanded reps for lesser‑used players in bowl practices, citing a No. 1 2026 recruiting class with many January enrollees that has influenced recent roster decisions.