Jayden Maiava's time to shine at USC in make-or-break 2026 season

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USC football won 11 games under Lincoln Riley in 2022, easily the best year of the Riley era. Caleb Williams won the Heisman that season, playing the quarterback position as well as it could be played. That's what Jayden Maiava needs to do in 2026. He learned the Riley system in 2024. He grew into it in 2025 but did not master it. The 2026 season is all about finding mastery and taking USC to the next level.

Third year

Jayden Maiava sat behind Miller Moss for most of 2024, but he got a few games at the end of the season. Last year was his first full season as USC's QB1. Now he's coming back for another pursuit of greatness. It's a year when it all needs to come together for Maiava and USC.

Veteran offensive line

The biggest reason to expect a great season from Maiava is not the man himself, but the line he will have protecting him. Zach Hanson looks like the real deal as offensive line coach. If the offensive line is as strong as most people expect, Maiava will get plenty of time in the pocket. He should cook if this happens.

Running back health

USC was crushed by injuries at running back in 2025. As long as the Trojans have reasonably good running back health, the ground game should complement the passing game and put Jayden Maiava in position to succeed.

Lincoln Riley

Riley struggled as a play-caller in 2024 but was undeniably hampered by Miller Moss's inefficiency. With a seasoned Jayden Maiava knowing Riley's habits and patterns, the QB-coach combination should be on the same page this season, leading to explosive production and fluid execution.

The big question

Will the receivers step up for USC with Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane gone? That's a huge question. However, if the offensive line gives Maiava time, this part of the puzzle can still fit what USC needs. Nevertheless, this will be a constant point of focus for the USC offense in 2026.

Avoid the big mistake

With maturity should come the realization that Jayden Maiava can't make the crucial mistake which changes a game. He threw critical interceptions too many times last season. Not all interceptions are equally important. Maiava threw important picks. If he weeds out those mistakes, USC's odds of making the College Football Playoff will rise.

USC football legacy

USC used to be a running back school in the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s. In the 21st century, USC has produced three Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks: Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, and Caleb Williams. Can Jayden Maiava join those elite players in the annals of USC football history? It's time for something special, something which will make Jayden Maiava an immortal Trojan.

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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Jayden Maiava's time to shine at USC in make-or-break 2026 season

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