Jayden Maiava has firmly established himself as the starting quarterback for the USC Trojans, demonstrating resilience and skill that have earned him the top spot on the depth chart heading into the 2025 season.
Maiava’s journey to USC’s QB1 began with a standout redshirt freshman season at UNLV in 2023, where he threw for 3,085 yards and 17 touchdowns, earning him the Mountain West Freshman of the Year award. His performance caught the attention of USC, leading to his transfer and eventual rise to the starting position.
Maiava took over as USC’s starting quarterback in November 2024, replacing Miller Moss. In his first start, he led the Trojans to a 28-20 victory over Nebraska, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities with three passing touchdowns and a rushing score. He continued to impress, guiding USC to wins over UCLA and a dramatic comeback against Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl, where he threw the game-winning touchdown with eight seconds remaining.
Entering the 2025 season, Maiava remains the frontrunner in USC’s quarterback competition. Head coach Lincoln Riley has noted that Maiava is “a step ahead” of his competitors, including freshman Husan Longstreet and Utah transfer Sam Huard. Maiava’s leadership and experience have been pivotal in his retention of the starting role.
As USC prepares for the 2025 season, Maiava’s performance will be crucial in the Trojans’ pursuit of success in the Big Ten. With a strong supporting cast and a year of experience under his belt, Maiava is poised to lead USC’s offense with confidence and determination.
