LOS ANGELES – Jayden Maiava will take over the role of starting quarterback for the Southern California Trojans, replacing Miller Moss, as the team navigates the final stretch of a season that has not met expectations. This decision has been confirmed by a source familiar with the development, although it remains undisclosed officially by USC head coach Lincoln Riley. Currently, the Trojans hold a record of 4-5 and find themselves amidst a second bye week in the season, with a significant need to turn things around.
After a tough series of games where the team has managed to win only one out of their last five, USC is now facing challenges associated with maintaining bowl eligibility. This comes in what has been a disappointing second season under the guidance of Riley, who was brought on board with the aim of returning USC to its former glory in national title discussions. The hopes surrounding his arrival seem to have been unmet thus far.
Maiava joined USC from UNLV during the offseason and previously demonstrated his skills by starting 11 games for the Rebels in the past year. During that time, he amassed impressive statistics, with 3,085 passing yards and 17 touchdowns as a promising redshirt freshman.
Moss, entering his fourth year with the Trojans, had served as the backup to Heisman winner Caleb Williams over the past two seasons. He took the starting role for the team during last year’s Holiday Bowl and delivered a remarkable performance with six touchdown passes while Williams opted out to prepare for the NFL draft.
Although Moss was able to secure the starting position through a competitive training camp alongside Maiava, he has not displayed the capability to be the impactful playmaker needed during crucial moments of several games this season. In nine starts, he has thrown for 2,555 yards, recording 18 touchdowns but also compiling nine interceptions. Notably, during the Trojans’ current slump of one win out of five games, Moss has thrown seven interceptions, with three occurring last week in a defeat against Washington.
In his limited appearances this season, Maiava has showcased better mobility than Moss. He has participated primarily late in three games, where he even managed to score a rushing touchdown against Utah State. Last season at UNLV, he demonstrated his running ability with 277 yards and three touchdowns.
USC is set to face Nebraska next Saturday, November 16, followed by matchups against rivals UCLA and Notre Dame to close out the regular season. Under Riley’s leadership, the team has recorded a 23-13 record, which unfortunately includes more losses in just over two seasons than he experienced in five years at Oklahoma.
Despite previous statements indicating that he would not be considering a quarterback change, Riley has now opted for a fresh direction during this tumultuous season. He is widely regarded as a premier coach with a talent for developing quarterbacks, as evidenced by his success with numerous Heisman winners and high-caliber college talents in his earlier coaching years.