Jayden Maiava shares honest feelings on USC QB room

Heading into year four of the Lincoln Riley era at USC, Jayden Maiava has emerged as the Trojans solidified starting quarterback for the upcoming season. The former UNLV transfer started in USC‘s final four games of the season in 2024, totaling 1,135 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions in that span.

Maiava took over for former quarterback Miller Moss, who ended up transferring to Louisville following the season. The Palolo, HI native, who now leads the quarterback room consisting of himself, Husan Longstreet and Sam Huard, discussed the trio of arms at USC Media Day on Monday.

“We all have chemistry within the quarterback room right now,” Maiava said. “We love to make each other better. Our guys compete every single day. We’re in a room watching film together everyday. I think that’s the huge thing for us is just they all have the same mindset in terms of being there to deliver and being there to provide for the team.”

Prior to his transfer to USC for the 2024 season, Maiava shined in his lone season as UNLV‘s starter. In 2023, he passed for 3,085 yards, 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for a Rebel team that finished with a 9-5 record. He’ll now look to become the next great arm under head coach Lincoln Riley, who has coached Heisman winning quarterbacks Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield and Caleb Williams.

Husan Longstreet and Sam Huard are Maiava’s backups

Longstreet was the No. 4 ranked quarterback in the Class of 2025 (No. 21 ranked player overall) behind Michigan‘s Bryce Underwood, Alabama‘s Keelon Russell and Ohio State‘s Tavien St. Clair. The Corona, CA brings a lot of future expectations with him to the USC campus.

“He’s getting better. I mean, he, he does some, some great things. He still makes some freshman mistakes from time to time. He’s just growing and learning,” said Riley on Longstreet. “Husan has done a really nice job. He makes a lot of explosive plays. I would expect, you know, there in the summer, he would have an opportunity to get a lot better.”

“Just like I kind of told you guys the same thing about Jayden [Maiava] last year. I mean, last year in spring, you know, Jayden was doing some good things but was still learning and the summer and fall camp was really helpful for him. I’m sure it will be for Husan, and for Sam [Huard] as well.”

USC opens its 2025 season at home on Aug. 30 against Missouri State. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM on the Big Ten Network.