USC Trojans Face Key Question For Tanook Hines Amid NFL Departures

Wide receiver Tanook Hines was one of the most impressive freshman on USC's roster this season, proving his strength and talent as the Trojans third receiver on the depth chart. Now with Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane heading to the NFL, Hines has a clear shot of elevating to the starting spot next year.

Oct 18, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Tanook Hines (16) runs the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images | Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans offseason movement changes things around for spring camp, including new talent from the 2026 early signing class and elevating current players to starting roles.

Looking ahead, with USC receivers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, the starting wide receiver position will most likely go to Tanook Hines, the true freshman wide receiver from Houston, Texas.

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Tanook Hines (16) runs with the ball during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Hines' numbers on paper did not compare to what Lane and Lemon produced this season, but for his first collegiate season and the edge he brought with with every play, makes him a perfect candidate to fill Lemon's shoes as starting receiver.

First Collegiate Season For Tanook Hines

Hines is similar to Lemon, he may not bring the size or the length against talented Big Ten defense's, but when the ball's in the air, you can almost guarantee Hines will find a way to grab it. The 6-foot receiver finished the season with 28 receptions for 398 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Again, the numbers don't scream best receiver in the conference, but his highlight-reel makes up for it.

Have yourself a first half Tanook Hines!

Completion for 51 yards. pic.twitter.com/Q7XxqkOcL7

— Adrian Medina (@AdrianMedina_16) November 22, 2025

Another reason Hines could be a prime candidate for the starting spot was his breakout game against the Oregon Ducks, where he recorded six catches for 141 receiving yards one touchdown. With numbers like that, Hines end of the season rise is a good sign entering the Alamo Bowl, where he'll likely be moved into starting with Lane and Lemon opting out.

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Tanook Hines (16) celebrates scoring a touch down with wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) during the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Hines earned his debut at the season opener, when he was listed as WR3 on the depth chart, beating out guys like wide receiver Jay Fair and Jaden Richardson for the spot. For coach Lincoln Riley, the mindset and playing style Hines brings just as a freshman was impressive, and makes him a force on the field.

TANOOK HINES ARE YOU SERIOUS??? @USCFB pic.twitter.com/0vPCNQ86cv

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) September 13, 2025

"The way he goes after the ball with a unique mindset for a freshman," Riley said. "Talk about a guy that really attacks the ball. He's played physical for us. He's been a really good blocker. He's done a good job picking up our system."

Connection With Jayden Maiava

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) warms up before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Some of the biggest news of the Trojans re-signings was quarterback Jayden Maiava, the program announced on Dec. 14. Maiava's return is, like Hines, a step in the right direction of carrying USC's offensive momentum into next season.

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Hines proved that his ability to make big plays was a huge part to the Trojans offense, allowing Maiava to release his impressive deep-ball pass and trust that anyone between Hines, Lemon or Lane would come down with it.

"It's been awesome. He's a talented player, the sky's the limit for him," Maiava said. "Right now, he’s just doing a lot of great things on the offensive side of the ball and, you know, he's going to continue to do that. That's who he is, it's the kind of player he is, and you got to appreciate people like that."

Jayden Maiava just drops this in the basket to Tanook Hines 🎯 pic.twitter.com/XVTrkc5Uo0

— Trojan Football ✌️ ᶠᵃⁿ (@TrojanFBx) November 22, 2025

The Alamo Bowl will be chance for Hines to prove his worth as next season's WR1, and with Maiava back in the mix, could be a preview of what the 2026 air raid offense could look like.