November 29th just became even more important

The role of players who have been brought up in the family-oriented Polynesian culture is immeasurable at USC. Greats like Troy Polamalu and Junior Seau and the uncle of current Trojan QB, Kaluka Maiava, have worn the Cardinal and Gold. With the new push in high school-focused recruiting and staying within the California area, that connection between the school and the Polynesian community appears to be getting stronger.

Many of the recruits for the current and upcoming cycle have specifically mentioned family being the most important consideration when making their choice. As shared by Tom Lemming, Tomuhini Topui explained how being close to campus and staying connected with his close-knit family are important for him. The Polynesian tradition for him and many others is immensely important.

At the QB position, USC has Hawai'i native Jayden Maiava. There's still a battle going on at that position, but for now, everything suggests that he'll be able to win the job over Sam Huard and Husan Longstreet. Assuming that happens, and assuming Maiava maintains the job and keeps the offense going through the season, the November 29th date goes up significantly in importance.

Already an absolutely critical game, the USC-UCLA rivalry is enough to stand on its own merit anyway. Now, the Bruins will have Nico Iamaleava looking to lead their offense. For all of the transfer saga when leaving Tennessee, On3's J.D. PicKell shared on X that the former Volunteer officially made the decision to join coach DeShaun Foster.

There was once lukewarm interest

What may have been forgotten since Iamaleava's H.S. recruitment is that the Downey (Calif.) Warren's product was once, at least somewhat, on the radar of USC. The potential recruitment soon fizzled out, and he went to the SEC. For a moment, though, he did seem excited to at least come on campus.

Now the athlete with a Samoan background has decided to come back to his home state, but for USC's rival school. As is, this rivalry game is important, but for the future of recruiting, particularly with the game being held in the Coliseum, the Trojans winning this one will go a long way for potential Polynesian recruits.

Iamaleava coming to USC would not have been a good move. What the coach Riley staff is building is working. Maiava is ready to lead this team, and the rest of the position groups are continuing to develop and grow the right way.

Now getting the chance to beat UCLA and show why the Bruins getting Iamaleava doesn't make a difference, that makes November 29th all the more meaningful this year.