The USC Trojans are starting to get an idea of who their starting quarterback could be in the Fall.
Head coach Lincoln Riley gave his answer to the USC media earlier this week.
Lincoln Riley Declares Jayden Maiava the Clear-Cut Starting QB
Here is what Riley said about who his starting quarterback is right now:
Jayden Maiava is QB1
pic.twitter.com/schX5bR0Zs
— Trojan Football
Maiava, who is currently a sophomore, has shown up and shown out this offseason in Riley’s eyes. The former UNLV starter is an experienced signal-caller who showed strides last season in a reserve role. He threw for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns with six interceptions.
Now, it appears as though he has the inside track to becoming the starter heading into the Fall.
The Hawaiian native, assuming he can keep his starting job, will be looking to help guide the Trojans back to prominence.
Riley Needs to Win in 2025
Riley immediately gave the USC program a shot in the arm when he was hired back in 2022. That season, he guided the team to 11 wins.
However, he has not been able to get his team back to that level in the last few seasons due to inconsistent play on both sides of the ball. Another 7-6 season from Riley, and he could be on the hot seat with what the school is paying him.
That is why Maiava is going to be a significant piece of the puzzle moving forward. In a stacked conference with the likes of Ohio State, Penn State, Indiana, Oregon, and Michigan, it will be tough to contend.
A good bounce-back season from Riley and the Trojans looks like nine wins at the very least. Nine wins could keep the team in contention in the conference while also keeping the hot seat heat off of Riley. But for them to come close to 10 wins, they will need to win those games against wildcard teams such as Nebraska, Iowa, and UCLA.
KEEP READING: LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier Predicted To Be Potential Top Overall Pick in 2026 NFL Draft
All eyes will be on Riley, Maiava, and the rest of the team as they prepare for what has the makings of a very big season in Hollywood.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
