Jayden Maiava Faces a New Challenger in California's Quarterback Race

USC's Maiava ranked behind Cal's Sagapolutele in early Heisman Trophy projections

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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In a way-too-early look at the 2026 Heisman Trophy race, ESPN college football writer Mark Schlabach included 18 realistic contenders. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava made the list, but his placement may create a bit of controversy as he was ranked behind Cal sophomore quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, making him ESPN's second-best quarterback in the state of California.

Why it matters

This early ranking highlights the growing competition between the two top quarterbacks in California and sets the stage for a potential showdown between Maiava and Sagapolutele in the 2026 season. The Heisman Trophy is one of the most prestigious individual awards in college sports, and being ranked among the top contenders this early on can provide significant momentum and attention for these players and their programs.

The details

Maiava's 2025 season was one of the most productive first years by a Big Ten quarterback, throwing for 3,711 yards and 24 touchdowns, while Sagapolutele's freshman season at California was impressive in its own right, passing for 3,454 yards with 18 touchdowns. However, the statistical gap and the context still leans USC's way, as Maiava operated as an aggressor, pushing the ball vertically and generating chunk plays, while Sagapolutele functioned more as a high-volume distributor.

  • Maiava led the Big Ten in passing yards in the 2025 season.
  • Sagapolutele became only the second true freshman in FBS history to throw for 200 yards in each of his first 11 starts in 2025.

The players

Jayden Maiava

The USC quarterback who had a highly productive first season in the Big Ten, throwing for 3,711 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2025.

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele

The California Golden Bears sophomore quarterback who had an impressive freshman season, passing for 3,454 yards with 18 touchdowns.

Lincoln Riley

The head coach of the USC Trojans, who oversees one of the country's most explosive offenses.

Chase Hendricks

A former Ohio Bobcats wide receiver who has transferred to California, bringing veteran experience and production to the Golden Bears' passing attack.

Ian Strong

A former Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver who has transferred to California, adding to the Golden Bears' experienced receiving corps.

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The takeaway

The early Heisman Trophy projections have set the stage for a potential quarterback showdown between USC's Jayden Maiava and Cal's Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele in the 2026 season. While Sagapolutele had an impressive freshman campaign, Maiava's more aggressive and explosive style of play gives him the edge in the eyes of the national analysts. However, the supporting casts of the two quarterbacks are heading in opposite directions, which could ultimately determine which player emerges as the top quarterback in the state of California.