Through the first four games of the season, Jayden Maiava has decisively silenced any doubts about his position as USC’s starting quarterback. His performance has been statistically dominant, leading all of college football with an average of 12.7 yards per pass attempt.
Maiava’s completion percentage has soared by over 11 points from last season to 70.8%. He has accounted for 13 total touchdowns—nine passing and four rushing—and, crucially, has not committed a single turnover. This marks a stark improvement from the nine interceptions he threw over the same number of starts in 2024.
However, this success has come against a relatively light schedule. During their 4-0 start, the Trojans have not faced a pass defense ranked in the top 100, nor have they encountered significant adversity. USC has averaged over 52 points per game, winning by an average margin of 32.
The level of competition is set to increase significantly. Each of USC’s next three opponents is ranked in the top 25, and three of their next four games are on the road. The challenge begins Saturday against No. 23 Illinois, a team ranked in the top 10 before a recent loss to Indiana.
For USC to maintain its College Football Playoff aspirations, Maiava must prove that his impressive start was not an anomaly. According to head coach Lincoln Riley, the key is consistency, not a change in approach.
“Just keep doing what you’re doing,” Riley said.
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