LOS ANGELES — USC will take the field next Saturday afternoon with a new quarterback under center. Sophomore quarterback Jayden Maiava is the Week 10 starter versus the Nebraska Cornhuskers, according to multiple reports.
Maiava gets his first start since Dec. 26, 2023, replacing Miller Moss after nine games. In October, the Trojans had a 1-3 record and dropped to 15th place in the Big Ten, ending any chance USC had to make the college football playoffs.
The Trojans have struggled all year to close out games in the fourth quarter. In all five of USC's losses, they have held a lead in the fourth quarter.
"We have kind of had an anomaly of a year. Normally, these things end up over time going about 50/50 on these games that come down to one play, and we've happened to have the year that not too many of them have gone our way," Riley said last Saturday.
"We have been a good enough team to put ourselves in a position to win, but we haven't separated consistently... the biggest key for us growing both this year and in the future is when you get the opportunity to separate in these games that's what you got to do. Then it doesn't come down to a coin flip."
Miller Moss is coming off his worst start of the season in a 26-21 road loss versus Washington. Moss finished 30 of 50 for 293 with two touchdowns and three interceptions.
After last Saturday's loss, coach Lincoln Riley wouldn't say at that moment if there is any temptation to get Maiava reps this season.
"For us right now, what we are looking at is the best lineup, the best people to help us win each and every week," Riley said.
Maiava transferred to USC in the spring from UNLV after one season with the Rebels. In 14 starts, Maiava threw for 3,085 yards, 17 touchdowns, and ten interceptions. As a freshman, he led the Rebels to a 9-5 record -- best finish since 1984.
Maiava made an appearance in the Trojans' 48-0 blowout win against Utah State on Sept. 7. Playing one quarter and some change, Maiava completed 8 of 11 passes for 66 yards and ran for one touchdown.
Maiava brings an explosive element with his big arm to the Trojans offense that has been missing in 2024. At UNLV, he had a Mountain West best of 55 passes for more than 30 yards. In 2024, Moss had only 20 passes for more than 30 yards; last year, Caleb Williams had 42.
In addition, he brings a dual-threat ability that Riley has traditionally had in his previous quarterbacks, Jalen Hurts, Kyler Murray, and Caleb Williams. In 2023, Maiava ran for 277 yards and three touchdowns on 73 attempts.
Sitting at a 4-5 record, USC must win two of their last three games to become bowl-eligible. A missed appearance at any bowl game would be the first in Riley's tenure and the first time since 2021.