USC quarterback Jayden Maiava had a breakout season as the Trojans’ QB1 last year, leading them to a 9-4 record. Maiava took over the Trojans’ QB1 duties from Miller Moss midway through the 2024 season and has grown in leaps and bounds as one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten and the country since then.
Maiava’s return next season, alongside all five of the Trojans’ offensive linemen, has led USC to be labeled a dark horse for both the Big Ten and national championships.
Jayden Maiava’s Leadership Traits Revealed
Maiava is likely to be the Trojans’ QB1 next season, especially after former five-star quarterback Husan Longstreet entered the transfer portal in January and joined Lane Kiffin’s LSU Tigers.
During media availability on Friday, USC quarterback coach Luke Huard revealed how Maiava’s leadership traits have blossomed during the offseason.
“We’ve got a ton of new players who’ve joined our roster,” Huard said. “The biggest thing that Jayden’s done, different from previous offseasons, is he’s taken these guys in, and he’s doing meetings with a lot of these guys. He’s obviously played a lot of football snaps here at USC, and particularly with our younger receivers, younger tight ends.
“He’s done a great job building a group thread, watching tape on their own, he’s taking them out on the field, doing walk-throughs. So he’s taking a huge leadership jump from that role. He’s got a tremendous sense of urgency that you feel from him right now.”
In 13 games played last season, Maiava tallied 3,711 passing yards, resulting in 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while adding 157 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He earned a PFSN College QB Impact score of 93.1.
Lincoln Riley Highlights Maiava’s Growth
During an interview with On3’s J. D Pickell on Jan. 11, Lincoln Riley revealed the growth areas in Maiava’s game and the challenges that the talented quarterback will face next season.
“He grew up so much during the offseason a year ago,” Riley said. “Just watching him, the player this last year vs. what he was two years ago. It’s almost like watching two completely different people. I just feel like this guy’s got a huge ceiling. I feel like he can make another jump, just like that.
“He was already one of the best quarterbacks in the country this year. I’m excited for it. One of Jayden’s biggest challenges this year is, we’ll be very different in the wide receiver room and the tight end room. Getting in sync with those guys will be a big, big part of it.”
Maiava is in the top-10 rankings for favorites to win the Heisman Trophy next season, in a list headlined by Texas QB Arch Manning and Notre Dame star CJ Carr. In his storied career, Riley has coached three Heisman Trophy winners, which accounts for Maiava’s high ranking on the list.
