USC is known for continuously generating stars at receiver. After the departure of Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon, the door is open for someone new to become an elite pass-catcher for the Trojans. Sophomore receiver Tanook Hines showed flashes of being that guy in 2025. This season, he will get all the opportunities to make his mark.
In a recent article, Kendell Hollowell analyzes second-year players who are due for a big season. He takes a look at Tanook Hines as a top candidate for this upcoming season:
“He stepped up and made some really good plays. He was awesome and made some tough, competitive plays down the field,” Riley said after the bowl game. “I think he gained a lot of confidence after the Oregon game and kind of the show we put on in that game.”
“It was fun to see him rise up in that moment and kind of assume that role. He was pretty unguardable tonight, to be honest. The only times they really guarded him is when they tackled him. He did a great job. He’s going to be a hell of player here.”
Hines is a budding star in college football who steps into the No. 1 receiver role for USC in 2026.”
Jayden Maiava built great confidence because of the elite weapons he had last season, vs the TCU Horned Frogs. Tanook Hines gave him that same confidence with his star showing. Hines has all the makings of being the next great at USC.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Tanook Hines is primed for a breakout season at USC in 2026
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
