Jayden Maiava is ready to lead USC to a succesful 2025 season

There are many critics of the USC starter Jayden Maiava. What needs to be remembered, though, is that Maiava took over for Miller Moss late in the year. While the expectation at the Division I level is to stay ready and to be able to fill in any role as needed, this is far easier said than done.

Especially when considering the quarterback position, it is significantly difficult to take over for someone under center. (Yes, quarterbacks operate mostly in the shotgun nowadays.)

When considering the communication, rhythm, and timing, there is a lot to stepping in at QB beyond just 'executing better.' Not being the starter throughout a training camp and during practice also makes it so that there is inherently less chemistry anyway. There are, of course, examples of players who have been able to lead a thrilling comeback win as the backup. It needs to be acknowledged that these are incredible stories due to how impressive it is to do so and due to the rarity in which they occur.

More to Maiava, anyone will say that turnovers kill games. It goes without saying that the USC quarterback can not afford to be gifting possessions to the other team.

This is where coach Lincoln Riley comes in. While the Trojan HC may not have outright stated this during spring, coach Riley did indicate that Maiava had a significant lead in terms of the QB1 job. Knowing for months now that he will be the starter, coach Riley will have had a lot of time to mentor and point out some of the reads that troubled him last year.

Big-play potential on every down for USC

With the full offseason essentially of being the starter, Maiava can feel comfortable and confident in the role. Increased familiarity alone will help to mitigate some of the turnovers.

What's more, Maiava is a playmaker. He is not one who shies away from wanting to get the ball downfield and into the hands of Makai Lemon or Ja'Kobi Lane. Coach Riley and this Trojan team are depending on the arm of Maiava. It may not be all that wise to bet against it.