USC Coach Lincoln Riley Praises Quarterback Jayden Maiava’s Performance in Debut Start

In the aftermath of the University of Southern California‘s (USC) narrow victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers, USC Trojans‘ head coach Lincoln Riley shared his thoughts on the performance of quarterback Jayden Maiava. The Trojans secured a 28-20 win, marking Maiava’s first start since joining the team. The match was held on November 16, 2024, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Riley addressed the ongoing quarterback competition between Maiava and fellow athlete Miller Moss, indicating that the decision for who will start is determined on a week-to-week basis. In the upcoming weekend, USC is set to face their long-standing rival, the UCLA Bruins, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, with Maiava projected to start once again.

Maiava’s debut performance was commendable; he completed 25 of 35 passes, accumulating 259 yards and three touchdowns against a single interception. His efforts were instrumental in the Trojans improving their record to 5-5 for the season. Despite Moss’s solid performances earlier in the season, Maiava was brought in to inject new energy into the team. «He did a great job,» remarked coach Riley. «I think he’s a talented guy.»

Maiava transferred to USC after a year at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he played in 13 games, throwing for 2,794 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also rushing for an additional 261 yards and three touchdowns. Reflecting on his character, Riley praised Maiava’s unwavering dedication to the team, highlighting his commitment despite limited playtime earlier in the season.

As they prepare to face the UCLA Bruins, the Trojans aim for a victory that could secure them a spot in a bowl game. Meanwhile, the Bruins, who hold a 4-6 record, are equally motivated, seeking a win to keep their bowl eligibility hopes alive. Despite not ranking highly in the Big Ten standings, the rivalry maintains significant importance to both teams and their fans.

The upcoming clash, scheduled for 7:30 pm PST on NBC, holds additional personal weight for Maiava and his team as they strive for revenge following a defeat to the Bruins in the previous year’s encounter at the Los Angeles Coliseum.