Lincoln Riley Rules Out Giving Jayden Maiava Reps at QB for USC’s Remaining Games

In a recent development, USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley has made it clear that he does not intend to give quarterback Jayden Maiava any game reps during the team’s last three games of the season. This decision comes despite the struggles of current starter Miller Moss, who had one of his worst games as a starter recently.

Riley’s stance on the matter has raised questions about the future of the quarterback position at USC. With Maiava, a dual-threat quarterback who transferred from UNLV, potentially facing limited opportunities, there is speculation that he might consider entering the transfer portal again if he does not see any playing time. This could complicate USC’s quarterback situation for the 2025 season, especially with the possibility of five-star quarterback Julian Lewis reevaluating his commitment to the Trojans.

The decision to stick with Moss has also sparked discussions about the team’s overall strategy and whether it is in the best interest of the team’s future. Riley’s refusal to give Maiava a chance has led to concerns that Maiava might seek opportunities elsewhere where he has a clearer path to playing time.

This situation mirrors a similar scenario from eight years ago when USC made a midseason change at quarterback, benching Max Browne in favor of Sam Darnold. The current situation highlights the challenges Riley faces in managing his quarterback depth and ensuring the team’s success in the coming seasons).