TCU Secures Alamo Bowl Victory With Overtime Touchdown Against USC

2025-12-31 general

San Antonio, Wednesday, 31 December 2025.
Backup quarterback Ken Seals orchestrated a comeback, connecting with Jeremy Payne for a decisive 35-yard touchdown to lead TCU past USC 30-27 in overtime.

Horned Frogs Stun Trojans in San Antonio

On Tuesday night, December 30, 2025, Texas Christian University (TCU) orchestrated a dramatic comeback to defeat the No. 16 USC Trojans 30-27 in overtime at the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio [2][4]. The contest, held at the Alamodome, concluded in spectacular fashion when running back Jeremy Payne secured a 35-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Ken Seals to seal the victory [4][6]. The win marked TCU’s fourth victory in as many appearances in the Alamo Bowl, while USC dropped to 9-4 to conclude their season [4][5].

Overtime Drama and Execution

The overtime period highlighted the divergent execution between the two programs in critical moments. USC possessed the ball first, starting from the standard 25-yard line. The Trojans managed to advance the ball 20 yards on six plays but stalled inside the 5-yard line [7]. Facing a fourth down, USC was forced to settle for a 22-yard field goal by kicker Ryon Sayeri, giving them a precarious 27-24 lead [6][7]. TCU’s subsequent possession began ominously when Seals was sacked for a 10-yard loss, pushing the offense back to the 35-yard line [1][6]. However, on the very next play, Seals connected with Payne on a checkdown pass; the running back evaded multiple USC defenders along the sideline to sprint 35 yards for the game-winning score [1][4][6].

Orchestrating the Fourth Quarter Rally

TCU’s victory required a significant rally late in regulation. Trailing 24-14 with under ten minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Horned Frogs faced a double-digit deficit against a ranked opponent [6]. The momentum began to shift when Payne scored on a 5-yard touchdown run with 5:13 left on the clock, narrowing the USC lead to 24-21 [7]. The TCU defense subsequently held firm, giving the offense one final opportunity in regulation. Seals engineered a 13-play, 59-yard drive that culminated in a 27-yard field goal by Kyle Lemmermann as time expired, tying the game at 24-24 and forcing the extra period [2][7]. This resilience mirrored TCU’s historic performance in the 2016 Alamo Bowl, where the program erased a 31-point halftime deficit to defeat Oregon [4][6].

Seals Shines in Unexpected Start

The narrative of the evening centered on Ken Seals, who made his first start in over two years following starting quarterback Josh Hoover’s decision to enter the transfer portal on December 18 [2][3]. Seals, whose last start came on November 11, 2023, during his tenure at Vanderbilt, displayed remarkable poise under pressure [3]. He completed 29 of 40 passes for 258 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception, while also contributing a rushing touchdown in the second quarter [2][4][7]. His steady performance earned him the Alamo Bowl MVP honors, validating Head Coach Sonny Dykes’ confidence in his preparation leading up to the game [3][6].

Missed Opportunities for USC

For the Trojans, the loss underscored defensive lapses and an inability to close out the game. Despite entering the contest as favorites, USC’s defense faded late, with missed tackles on the final play proving decisive [1]. Offensively, quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 280 yards and one touchdown but was intercepted twice, hindering the Trojans’ ability to maintain their lead [4]. While kicker Ryon Sayeri was a bright spot, converting four field goals including a 41-yarder in the fourth quarter, the offense’s failure to find the end zone in overtime ultimately cost them the game [7]. The defeat sends USC into the offseason on a somber note, despite Maiava’s announcement earlier in the year that he would return for the 2026 season [4].

Sources

College Football Alamo Bowl