One of the defining traits of the USC Trojans under head coach Lincoln Riley has been the development of elite quarterbacks. However, the 2024 season has presented challenges in that area, leading to a season filled with ups and downs for the Trojans.
Transitioning to New Leadership
As the season unfolded, Riley initially placed his trust in Miller Moss to lead the offense. Unfortunately, the Trojans faced a tough stretch, culminating in a loss to Washington that resulted in Moss being benched. Following this setback, he made the decision to enter the Transfer Portal, eventually landing at Louisville. This marked a significant shift for the Trojans, who were now in search of stability at the quarterback position.
Introducing Jayden Maiava
With Moss out of the picture, Jayden Maiava stepped up as the new starting quarterback. A transfer from UNLV, Maiava arrived at USC just before the 2024 season and quickly made his mark. He took the reins in four games, leading the Trojans to a commendable 3-1 record during his starts. The only blemish on his record came against their fierce rival, Notre Dame, in a game that showcased both the strengths and weaknesses of the team. Despite the loss, the Trojans managed to score 35 points, but two costly interceptions returned for touchdowns proved to be detrimental.
Riley’s Confidence in Maiava
Following USC’s triumphant victory in the Las Vegas Bowl against Texas A&M, Riley expressed his optimism regarding the quarterback position. He spoke highly of Maiava, emphasizing not only his on-field performance but also his character and leadership qualities.
“I’m very confident in him,” Riley stated. “I think just going through kind of what he’s been through, watching how fast he’s improved, and I think most importantly to me is there’s your performance as a player but there’s who you are as a person, a leader. When you play that position that’s just part of it. The guy’s so selfless, so about the team. I think he’s just going to continue to get better and better, and we’ve obviously got some good players around him on both sides of the ball that are excited to come back and lead.”
Impressive Season Stats
Maiava’s performance during the season has been noteworthy. He completed 59.8 percent of his passes on 169 attempts, accumulating 1,201 yards and throwing 11 touchdowns against six interceptions. Additionally, he showcased his versatility by rushing for 45 yards and scoring four touchdowns. Notably, all of his starts came against Power Four opponents, including the bowl victory over Texas A&M, which adds to the significance of his accomplishments.
Looking Ahead: Fresh Faces and Future Prospects
As the Trojans look to the future, Riley has already begun to bolster the roster with incoming talent. He has secured a commitment from Husan Longstreet, a five-star recruit in the Class of 2025, who is expected to bring fresh energy and skill to the quarterback room. While USC has not yet added a transfer quarterback this offseason—a strategy Riley has employed in the past—there is still ample time for changes to occur.
Challenges and Opportunities
The 2024 season has been a roller coaster for the Trojans, filled with both challenges and opportunities for growth. With a talented player like Maiava at the helm and promising recruits on the way, USC fans have reasons to be hopeful. The journey through college football is never straightforward, but with Riley’s track record of developing quarterbacks, there’s a strong belief that the Trojans can bounce back stronger than ever.
In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, the ability to adapt and grow is crucial. The Trojans are at a pivotal moment, and how they navigate the offseason will be key to their success in the coming years. Can they build on the momentum from the Las Vegas Bowl and solidify their quarterback situation? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the passion for college football at USC remains unwavering, and the excitement for what lies ahead is palpable.
