It is early 2026 and the dust is finally settling on another chaotic winter in Los Angeles. If you’ve been following the transfer portal circus, you know the vibes at USC are... complicated. Everyone wants to know who is taking the first snap for the Trojans next fall.
Jayden Maiava is the USC starting quarterback. He isn't just the incumbent; he’s basically the floor and the ceiling for Lincoln Riley's 2026 offense. After a massive 2025 season where he dragged the Trojans to a 9-4 record and an Alamo Bowl appearance, Maiava officially shut down the rumors by re-signing with the program in December.
He’s back.
But honestly, the "who" is only half the story. The real drama is what happened behind him in the room and why the future of the position just took a massive detour to Baton Rouge.
The Jayden Maiava Era is Officially Here
For a while, people treated Maiava like a bridge. He was the guy who took over when Miller Moss struggled in late 2024, the "running threat" who would eventually make way for a five-star recruit.
That narrative is dead.
💡 You might also like: OU Football Depth Chart 2025: Why Most Fans Are Getting the Roster Wrong
Maiava didn't just play well in 2025; he was statistically one of the most efficient passers in the country. He finished the regular season with over 3,400 yards and a completion rate north of 66%. He isn't just a "scrambler" anymore. He’s a legitimate Riley-style distributor.
Why He Stayed
Money? Probably part of it. But Maiava explicitly pointed to Lincoln Riley when he announced his return.
"Coach Riley," he said simply when asked why he didn't test the NFL or the portal. He wants that "quarterback whisperer" magic that sent Caleb Williams, Baker Mayfield, and Kyler Murray to the top of the draft. Maiava has the frame—6-foot-4, 225 pounds—and now he has the resume.
The scary part for the Big Ten? He’s only getting more comfortable.
The Husan Longstreet Exit (and Why it Matters)
You can't talk about the USC starting quarterback situation without talking about the guy who just left.
📖 Related: NL Rookie of the Year 2025: Why Drake Baldwin Actually Deserved the Hardware
Husan Longstreet was supposed to be "The One." The five-star freshman from Corona Centennial who would eventually take the keys to the Ferrari. Instead, he’s headed to LSU.
January 2026 has been a wake-up call for Trojan fans. Longstreet saw Maiava’s dominance and the fact that he was returning for a redshirt senior season. He saw the writing on the wall. If you’re a five-star talent, you don't sit for two years. Not in this era.
Longstreet’s departure to play for Lane Kiffin at LSU is a massive blow to USC’s long-term depth. It leaves the room feeling a little thin, even if the top end is solid.
Current USC Quarterback Depth Chart (Post-Portal)
- Jayden Maiava (Redshirt Senior) – The undisputed starter.
- Sam Huard (Sixth-Year Senior) – The veteran backup who provides some stability.
- Jonas Williams (Freshman) – The incoming four-star who is now the "quarterback of the future" by default.
It is a weird mix. You have a superstar at the top, a journeyman in the middle, and a kid who was just in high school a few months ago.
What to Expect from the Offense in 2026
The schedule is a nightmare. Ohio State, Oregon, Washington, Penn State—it’s a gauntlet.
👉 See also: New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks: What Most People Get Wrong
To survive that, Maiava has to fix his road splits. Last year, he was a Heisman candidate at the Coliseum (74% completion, 16 TDs) but looked like a different person in hostile environments. He struggled mightily at Nebraska and Oregon.
Lincoln Riley is banking on maturity.
The offensive line returns all five starters. That is unheard of in modern college football. If Maiava has a clean pocket and a year of "growth" in the system, the Trojans might actually have the firepower to crash the 12-team playoff.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
- Watch the Spring Game: Keep a close eye on Jonas Williams. With Longstreet gone, Williams is one injury away from being the guy. His development is now the most important storyline of the offseason.
- Home/Away Splits: If you're looking at early 2026 lines, be wary of USC on the road until Maiava proves he can handle the noise. He’s a "comfort" player right now.
- Recruiting Pivot: Expect Riley to get aggressive in the 2027 class or look for another high-upside transfer next winter. The "succession plan" is currently a bit of a question mark.
The Trojan offense will go as far as Jayden Maiava's right arm takes them. He’s the guy. He’s the leader. And for better or worse, he is the face of USC football in 2026.