Jayden Maiava studying tape of past coach Lincoln Riley Heisman Trophy winners

There is a certain commonality among the quarterbacks that USC starter Jayden Maiava mentioned as to who he has been watching to prepare for this season. Kyler Murray, Caleb Williams, and Baker Mayfield were the names mentioned by the junior. This was shared in a post on X by USCFootball.com's Connor Morrissette.

Trojan fans already know those three won a Heisman Trophy under coach Lincoln Riley.

Watching tape of past quarterbacks that played under the same person's system and who is still calling the shots is a smart move.

An offense will always continue to develop and grow. Still, there will be certain tendencies that tend to carry over. At the highest levels, coaches and scouts will meticulously go over old game tape of coaches from past stints, looking to gain an edge or see a potential tell. Maiava is taking the same approach, only from a different angle. He is looking to gain more insight and answers into what the coach Riley system provides depending on what the defensive look is.

Looking to get most potential from USC QB

Maiava has the needed skill set and willingness to make big plays. The next step for him is to gain a better understanding of the scheme and avoid the backbreaking turnovers. Looking to the past for answers is typically a good move. He will, furthermore, clearly have some great examples to be able to learn from of college quarterbacks who achieved and operated at the highest of levels while they were at their respective campuses.

Maiava has a high ceiling. If he continues to put in the work during practice and during film sessions, a lot will be possible for the quarterback and this offense in 2025. Hearing that he is taking the time to study from the best who have excelled under coach Riley is a good sign that he is poised for something big here shortly.