USC head coach Lincoln Riley has voiced strong confidence in quarterback Jayden Maiava, citing key factors that position him for success in 2025. Despite a challenging start last season, stepping in when Miller Moss had already earned team support, Maiava showed enough promise in four starts to maintain his role.
With USC bringing in five-star recruit Husan Longstreet and transfer Sam Huard, his progress over the past three months has been critical. Riley believes Maiava’s development, resilience, and command of the offense will determine whether he secures the Trojans’ starting job for the long haul.
Lincoln Riley Confident in Jayden Maiava’s Future at USC
USC head coach Lincoln Riley has expressed strong confidence in quarterback Jayden Maiava. He believes his growth, self-awareness, and leadership make him a prime candidate to lead the Trojans in 2025.
Riley acknowledged that Maiava is “his own toughest critic,” sometimes to a fault.
“He’s a guy who sometimes he can almost overdo it,” Riley said. “He naturally has that ability to really be critical of himself, to really put everything he can into the areas he doesn’t.”
While self-criticism can be productive, Riley wants Maiava to find a balance.
“We’ll be plenty hard enough on you,” Riley said. “Make sure you give yourself credit for the big-time plays that you have made and the progress you have made as well.”
Maiava’s first season had its struggles, particularly with decision-making under pressure. Reviewing film, he noticed how frequently he developed “happy feet” in the pocket, leading to rushed throws and costly mistakes.
His three interceptions in the bowl game were prime examples of the errors he has worked to correct. Rather than being discouraged, he has spent the offseason identifying and addressing these issues. Riley sees this as a sign of Maiava’s dedication.
“You’re never going to see him like, ‘Oh, I’m so good at this, I’m going to take it for granted and not put work into it.’ Like he’s the complete opposite of that,” Riley said. “He’s a driven worker, and he wants to play a lot better for us than he did last year. And he played pretty darn good. So that’s a pretty good sign.”
Beyond physical improvement, Maiava’s biggest transformation has been in his leadership. Riley has seen a shift in his confidence and presence within the team.
“You certainly see him just more confident, more assertive as a leader and a player now,” Riley said. “That’s what we need him to be.”
While USC has added five-star freshman Husan Longstreet and transfer Sam Huard, Riley made it clear that Maiava enters spring with an advantage due to his experience.
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“Now does Jayden come in a step ahead in experience and all that of the other guys in the room? Of course he does,” Riley said. “But the best guy is going to play, and that’s, to me, No. 1, and that should always be the case.”
