It has been an extremely disappointing season for the USC Trojans, who currently sit at 4-5 after another heartbreaking loss, this time at the hands of the Washington Huskies.
Miller Moss has been the QB under Center since he won the job in Fall Camp, but it is being reported that Lincoln Riley has decided to make a change.
According to Connor Morrissette of 247 Sports, the USC Trojans will turn to Jayden Maiava as their starting quarterback for their next game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
USC Trojans Turning To Jayden Maiava
Moss has played very well for much of the season but has also thrown critical interceptions in moments that have altered games, including three such interceptions against Washington (2nd INT was a Hail Mary situation at the end of the first half).
- Miller Moss 2024 Stats: 2,555 yards, 18 TDs, 9 INTs
USC fans have been calling for Maiava to get the start, and it appears that they will now get their wish.
Maiava transferred from Fresno State and is the reigning Mountain West Freshman of the Year. He threw for 3,085 yards and 17 touchdowns to 10 interceptions with a 63.5% completion percentage. He also ran for 277 yards.
He played in a very different system at Fresno State, one that was much simpler and called for fewer reads, and allowed him to rely on his athleticism. However, it has been proven that a more mobile QB can thrive in Lincoln Riley’s system.
Also Read: Should The USC Trojans Make A Change At Quarterback?
Moss has done some really good things and is more mobile than people give him credit for, but whether it was his decision-making or play calling, defenses did not respect his ability to run, and so it made the offense more predictable.
Jayden Maiava will change that instantly.
Miller Moss is the ultimate Trojan and someone that all fans should be proud of for representing the USC football team and the University. But sitting at 4-5, the program not only needed some kind of spark for this season, but Lincoln Riley needs to see what he really has going into the 2025 campaign.
This may also have a trickle-down effect on the commitment of 5-star QB Julian Lewis. Lincoln Riley knowing what he truly has in Maiava will aid in that effort as well.
The Trojans have a bye this weekend, so if a change were to happen, it makes sense now given that Maiava will have extra time to get reps with the first-team offense.
We will keep this updated as this story develops.
Since the announcement, at least via the media and this article, star wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane has responded to the situation via X.com.
Is trouble brewing in the locker room, or just a post that will be blown out of proportion?