USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava wasted no time making his mark on the Big Ten. After an electric performance in the Trojans’ 73-13 season-opening win over Missouri State, Maiava was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week on Monday (Sept. 1). It’s the first conference honor of his USC career — and one that underscores how sharp he looked in just one half of football.
Maiava put together 304 total yards and three touchdowns before halftime, completing 15 of 18 passes for 295 yards and two scores, while adding a short rushing TD. His 295 passing yards were the most by a Trojan in a first half since Kedon Slovis threw for 347 against Arizona State in 2019, and tied Cody Kessler’s mark from 2015.
USC Trojans Jayden Maiava Earns Big 10 Player Of The Week
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The national numbers back up the eye test. Maiava currently leads the country in passing efficiency (257.7), yards per completion (19.67), and yards per attempt (16.39). He also ranks second in the Big Ten and fifth nationally in completion percentage (.833). Per Pro Football Focus, his 89.7 passing grade is the highest among Big Ten quarterbacks, while his 90.8 overall grade places him inside the national top 10.
The offensive outburst was about more than just Maiava. Nine different Trojans scored touchdowns, the most since records began in 1972, while the 73 points marked USC’s highest single-game total since 1930. Running backs Waymond Jordan, Eli Sanders, Bryan Jackson, and King Miller all found the end zone, showcasing the depth of a backfield that could be a dangerous complement to Maiava’s arm. Even backup quarterback Husan Longstreet added two rushing scores.
For Maiava, though, the spotlight shines brightest. His 73-yard strike to Sanders and 64-yard touchdown connection with Lake McRee highlighted his deep-ball accuracy, while his composure under center showed growth. Heisman voters won’t crown a winner after Week 1, especially against a Missouri State squad making its FBS debut, but Maiava’s dominance forces him into the conversation.
The bigger question: can he maintain that poise when SC faces stiffer Big Ten competition like Oregon and Michigan? If the opener was any indication, Maiava looks prepared to shoulder the challenge.
Southern California now turns its attention to Georgia Southern on Sept. 6 at the Coliseum, riding a nine-game season-opening win streak. But for the Trojans, the message has already been sent: with Maiava under center, this offense may be the most explosive in decades.