USC as QBU is set up to last under coach Lincoln Riley

In the paraphrased words of the great Mark Twain, USC's demise has been greatly exaggerated. When looking at the past great quarterbacks that have walked through the Coliseum, Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Mark Sanchez, and more recently, Caleb Williams, there have been several notable collegiate Trojans at the position. 

Now about to enter his fourth year with the Trojans, coach Lincoln Riley is looking to bring something of a resurgence to the blue blood program. The head coach will know better than anyone; it starts at QB.

The coach Riley, has seen his fair share of success in that room. The previously mentioned Williams won a Heisman. Former players of his, Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield, did as well. Many consider the HC to be something of a quarterback whisperer.

Now in Los Angeles, all of his eggs appear to be in the Jayden Maiava basket. While some believe his late stretch as the starter in 2024 showed too many red flags, in reality, stepping in mid-season is rarely a position that too many find a successful stint in. (Exceptions to everything exist, of course.)

Regardless of the negatives, his big-play ability and willingness to give his receivers a chance are aspects that the Trojan offense will lean on this fall. As long as he cleans up the turnovers, it should be an excellent season for him.

Husan Longstreet is another talented player. Only a freshman, he'll take the time to learn and develop in one of the backup roles. Veteran Sam Huard looks poised to step in on a moment's notice. Still, if Maiava does well, he could be headed to the 2026 NFL Draft.

Longstreet, sitting now, could see him forced into the action, more prepared and ready to go, after observing and working on his craft at the collegiate level as a second- or third-stringer. There is a reason, however, why he was so highly touted as a recruit and why some right now are calling for him to be QB1.

Looking ahead for USC at QB

Then moving even further down the road, some may be disappointed at the latest predictions suggesting that Ryder Lyons will go to Oregon, but in truth, the future is secured with the class of 2026 commit Jonas Williams.

The talent out of Lincoln-Way East High School is a current four-star talent who realistically should be due for a ratings increase. When watching him take the field and make plays, it's instantly clear why the Trojan staff wants to add him to the depth chart.

In any event, the past, present, and future paint a grand picture of quarterback greatness for the program. Anyone continuing to doubt USC will be in for a rude awakening when things start to get rolling again at QBU.