Jayden Maiava re-signs with USC, set to return to Trojans in 2026

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

LOS ANGELES — The USC Trojans have been announcing a plethora of players re-signing to play for USC in the 2026 season, and Tuesday morning was no different, as starting quarterback Jayden Maiava has officially re-signed with the Trojans and is set to take leadership for the new class coming in. 

In 16 career starts for the Trojans, he has notched a 12-4 record. 

Maiava has been at the helm at quarterback for USC since November of 2024 and was previously at UNLV for two seasons before transferring to Southern California. In his first year as a starter, Maiava's maturity in having a full fall camp under his belt was evident as he threw for 3,431 yards, 8 rushing touchdowns, threw for 23 touchdowns, and had a 66% completion rate on his passes, which subsequently led to USC ending their 2025 season with an overall record of 9-3, plus a bowl bid. 

Having a quarterback like Maiava return for an upcoming season with the likes of 2026 is crucial, as the Trojans have games slated against big-time opponents such as Ohio State, Indiana, Oregon, and Washington, just to name a few. Trojans Head Coach Lincoln Riley has always praised Maiava's willingness to win in any situation, and Riley trusts that whenever Maiava is in the game, he will always provide them with a chance to win. 

Now, with the signing of Maiava and presumably continuing to be the starting quarterback for the USC Trojans, it begs the question of whether or not five-star quarterback Husan Longstreet will continue backing up Maiava heading into 2026, or take his talents to the transfer portal. There is still no movement on any news regarding this, but Longstreet was seen practicing on Monday with full pads on, so take that as you will. 

The pieces are fitting in adequately for the Trojans up to this point, as their long list of signees, whether it came from the early signing period or returning players, are creating the works of an exciting 2026 season. So far, the list of returning players goes as follows: Running back Waymond Jordan, Defensive end Braylan Shelby, Safety Christian Pierce, Linebacker Jaydyn Walker, Cornerback Marcelles Williams, Offensive lineman Justin Tauanuu, Cornerback Prophet Brown, Wide receiver Tanook Hines, Center Kilian O'Connor, Kicker Ryon Sayeri, and Wide receiver Zacharyus Williams. 

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos