Every college football season brings a wave of emerging stars, and the 2025 campaign is no exception. While seasoned veterans are expected to dominate the headlines, they are also built to control the field. Meanwhile, breakout stars have one simple task: to steal the spotlight from those veterans and make their own name in the sport.
For the USC Trojans, that potential name is QB Jayden Maiava. His freshman season showed flashes of brilliance, but according to experts, he is missing one key trait that he must develop. Without it, he can’t be considered one of the next season’s breakout stars. However, if he truly refines that skill, he is poised to dominate and steal the show in 2025.
Why QB Jayden Maiava’s Pocket Mobility Could Make Him USC’s Biggest Offensive Star in 2025?
Yes, you get that right; he is lacking that pocket mobility. To be successful in 2025, the USC quarterback needs to improve his ability to throw from outside the pocket. He faced tough teams like Notre Dame and Texas A&M while handling a high-pressure role, which shows he has the skills to compete at a top level.
However, pocket movement should come naturally to a quarterback like him, but so far, it hasn’t developed as expected in his day-to-day skill set. According to a CSN report, “He only attempted 27 passes (16%) of his passes outside of the pocket and was pretty good when he did so. I think part of this will come with more experience.”
When you look at Maiava’s potential, you also have to look at what he’s already done. The numbers don’t lie. In 2024, he threw for 1,200 yards with 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. One stat that really stood out was his ability to avoid sacks. His pressure-to-sack rate was just 8.2%, which is impressive by any standard.
This is the year. Jayden Maiava has improved so much under this new offense. He’s focused. He’s having fun. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a dark horse for the Heisman. ✌️ pic.twitter.com/y4hbl5umil
— Arrogant Nation✌🏻 (@FightOnRusty) April 8, 2025
But despite that success, only 16% of his throws came on the move, and that’s where the concern lies. It suggests there’s still plenty of room for growth in terms of mobility and extending plays. It suggests there’s still plenty of room for growth in terms of mobility and extending plays.
Now, some might think that’s a red flag. But it’s important to understand how Lincoln Riley’s offensive system works. He builds his offense around quarterbacks who can move and create when the pocket collapses. So, if the Polynesian native can sharpen his ability to throw on the run, he could easily become a difference-maker.
KEEP READING: Lincoln Riley Highlights 3 Reasons Jayden Maiava Is Poised for Success
His three-game audition at the end of the 2024 season proved that he can handle high-pressure situations. So, some tweaks in his off-pocket play need to be examined soon to get the optimum outcome from the 6-foot-4 QB.
As of now, Maiava leads our prediction list as the breakout star for the Trojans in 2025. But here’s the reality check: if he improves his off-pocket movement, learns to extend plays, and delivers accurate throws on the run, he’ll be the show stealer
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
