ESPN unveils USC's under-the-radar star for 2026 football season

USC football fans know all about Tanook Hines. The young receiver was never going to outshine Makai Lemon or Ja'Kobi Lane, but he made valuable contributions to the Trojans last season. It's his time to shine. USC fans know this. The rest of the nation might not. ESPN therefore identified Hines as USC's under-the-radar player to watch for 2026. Paolo Uggetti wrote:

"If they don't know it already, a lot of people are going to learn Hines' name this fall. The wideout from Houston shined in his first season at USC, totaling 561 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 34 receptions. But with the departures of Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane to the NFL, Hines is set to be one of the top targets for quarterback Jayden Maiava in 2026. The Trojans have had no issues developing NFL-ready receivers for some time now and Hines has the potential to be next in line."

It's certainly true that for USC to have a big year in 2026, Tanook Hines has to be very good if not great. However, the Trojans' passing game might sink or swim based on the other receivers in the room. If there isn't a 1-B to Hines' 1-A, defenses might take away Hines and limit the amount of reliable options Jayden Maiava has on any given pass play. The larger goal for Hines is less about his own statistical output, more about creating open space for his teammates and putting other skill players in position to make plays.

The USC offensive line should give Maiava time to throw. How the non-Hines receivers perform could be the central drama surrounding this offensive unit in 2026.