Recent history starting to repeat itself in the USC QB room

Many are expecting an official Ryder Lyons announcement anytime soon now. Until then, USC has three solid options at quarterback. Jayden Maiava gained valuable experience last year. Sam Huard comes in with some CFB snaps under his belt. Showing good, early glimpses as a freshman, Husan Longstreet has a lot of potential.

It's impossible for any program to have three starting-caliber QBs. Although Texas showed that they could have Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning in the same building. Even then, that showed some levels of media questions clouding over Austin when the offense wasn't firing on all cylinders throughout the season.

Regardless, as that situation and any other place in college football will show, it's about who is on campus that ultimately matters. There needs to be a clear starter. USC has that in Maiava. In case something happens, the backups need to be serviceable to ensure that the offense doesn't immediately tank.

The Trojans have that in Longstreet and Huard. The freshman is in a good position, as he'll be given time to develop and learn behind the scenes. If Maiava is forced to leave the action, USC will have someone that has seen live reps and will be able to keep the rhythm of the offense going. For the most important position on the field, the depth chart there is looking solidified as spring camp comes to an end.

For the former five-star recruit out of high school, 2025 is giving Longstreet a great chance to hone his skills and prepare himself for when he does lead a team on the field. Some first-year players can make the jump to the next level and perform right away. Even then, in most cases they would be better served to wait and learn behind someone else from the beginning. Even if it's a case of what not to do.

USC HC looking for similar jump from Longstreet

Coach Lincoln Riley shared with reporters his outlook on all three QBs. Most focused on the comments regarding Maiava being the clear-cut starter at this point. His comments in regard to the early enrollee were equally interesting.

After one of the latest practices, he shared:

"I would expect, you know, there in the summer he (Longstreet) would have an opportunity to get a lot better. Just like I kind of told you guys the same thing about Jayden last year."

He would go on to speak on Maiava's improvement over the course of last year and mentioned how he expects to see the same type of growth from Longstreet and Huard through the fall of this year. The ability to improve and build on the foundation of players, particularly at quarterback, is an important part of the recruiting pitch for potential USC players.

It's known how many Trojans go on to play on Sundays. With the continued wins on the recruiting trail, this aspect will need to continue under coach Riley. Players arriving on campus will want to be on a positive trajectory for themselves. With athletes like Maiava and Longstreet continuing to show what happens when you stay in the system, the Lyons notification will be one of many from highly sought-after recruits.