LOS ANGELES, CA -- USC quarterback Jayden Maiava has been named a semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien Award. The Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award is presented annually to the nation's best college quarterback and is the oldest and most prestigious national quarterback award.
USC is the only team in the nation averaging 300+ passing yards per game and 200+ rushing yards per game. USC has not produced these numbers since 2005. In fact, no FBS team has produced these numbers since LSU in 2023, and no Big Ten team has since Indiana in 2013.
Maiava thrives in USC head coach Lincoln Riley's electric offense as USC is No. 2 in the nation, No. 1 in the Big Ten, in total offense. The Trojans also lead the Big Ten in passing offense (303.0) and passing yards per completion (14.20).
Maiava is No. 2 in the nation with a 90.6 QBR. Additionally, he is third in the nation in yards per pass attempt (9.72) and fourth in the nation (and first in the Big Ten) in passing yards per completion (14.69). Maiava also leads the Big Ten in passing yards per game (290.4).
In USC's most recent 38-17 victory over Northwestern on Friday (Nov. 7), Maiava went 24-of-33 (.727) for 299 yards and 2 TDs. He recorded a 93.0 QBR. He also rushed for 10 yards on 4 carries and 1 TD.
That’s a final at the Coli! The Trojans improve to 7-2 on the season ✌🏽 pic.twitter.com/EFsG8L9a9r
— Adrian Medina (@AdrianMedina_16) November 8, 2025
The game marked the third time this season Maiava has had a rushing and passing TD in the same game.
The finalists will be chosen based on voting from the Davey O'Brien National Selection Committee, as well as bonus ballots awarded from the second round of the Davey O'Brien Fan Vote. The Davey O'Brien Foundation will announce the three finalists on Tuesday, Nov. 25. The 2025 Davey O'Brien Award winner will be unveiled live on ESPN on Friday, Dec. 12, during The Home Depot College Football Awards.
