USC announced that quarterback Jayden Maiava will return this fall. The decision keeps coach Lincoln Riley’s high-flying offense intact after the Trojans missed the College Football Playoff last season.
Early rankings suggest Maiava could emerge as one of the Big Ten’s top quarterbacks in 2025.
CBS Sports ranked Maiava third among conference quarterbacks. The junior threw for 3,711 yards and 24 touchdowns this past season.
“I was skeptical of USC’s decision to stay out of the portal last offseason and roll with Maiava, but I’m skeptical no longer,” CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli wrote. “Maiava has a tendency to put the ball in danger and make throws he shouldn’t, but that comes with inexperience, and another year as a starter could see him take his game to an entirely new level.”
Only Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Oregon’s Dante Moore ranked ahead of the Trojans’ signal-caller.
Maiava chose to return to USC rather than entering the transfer portal or declaring for the NFL Draft. He’s focused on daily improvement instead of long-term planning.
“I’m really not [thinking that far ahead], I’m just kind of focused on one day at a time,” Maiava told reporters last December. “Keeping level-headed and keeping my focus where it needs to be.”
The quarterback trusts Riley’s development program to prepare him for the next level.
“Coach Riley,” Maiava said when asked about his support system. “The staff obviously too. And my brothers.”
USC enters the season with College Football Playoff expectations. Maiava’s performance will determine whether the Trojans can reach the postseason and validate his preseason ranking.
The Big Ten debut presents Maiava with his biggest test yet as a starter.
