Coming off a 9-4 season last year, it’s time for the USC Trojans and head coach Lincoln Riley to step up. Entering his fifth season atop the Trojans, Riley hasn’t finished with double-digit wins since 2022, his first season as head coach. Riley is known as an elite recruiter in college football. However, development will be key this year to get the most out of the players in their program. While his buyout could be north of $60 million, Lincoln Riley could be firmly on the hot seat by season’s end if he can’t get this team over the hump.
Jayden Maiava transferred from UNLV to join the USC Trojans for the 2024 season and started the final four games that year. Maiava won the starting job last season, taking the Trojans to a 7-2 conference record. The Trojans are a young team with plenty of talent. However, to live up to their potential, QB Jayden Maiava will need to step up, as Shrine Bowl Director of Football Ops Eric Galko explains.
Jayden Maiava enters the year as a deserved Heisman candidate in what should be a young yet extremely talented USC offense.
He fits exactly what NFL QB coaches want in a young QB: He’s a calm, efficient, decisive pocket navigator with elite decision making and placement.
Of the… pic.twitter.com/mx5IFqbVsB
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) August 28, 2026
NFL Mock Draft Database currently has Jayden Maiava 45th on its consensus big board, earning him a second-round evaluation. Entering the Heisman Trophy conversation or leading his team into the College Football Playoff would certainly boost his draft stock for Serie A. He threw for 3,700 yards last season, along with 24 touchdowns, so the skill set is there. With a young team around him, Jayden Maiava will need to step up to lead the USC Trojans this season.