Trojans QB Maiava Excited About New Receiving Targets

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava discusses the team's fresh crop of pass catchers and the progress of freshman QB Jonas Williams.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant red and gold hues, depicting the dynamic movements and passing connections of a USC Trojans football game or practice.A cubist interpretation of the USC Trojans' new-look offense, with quarterback Jayden Maiava connecting with a diverse array of receivers and tight ends.Los Angeles Today

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava is optimistic about the Trojans' new receiving corps after losing top targets Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane to the NFL. Maiava highlighted the potential of freshman tight end Mark Bowman and praised the chemistry-building efforts with the team's influx of young wide receiver talent. The veteran QB also offered insights on the development of freshman quarterback Jonas Williams, who is learning Lincoln Riley's offense.

Why it matters

With the departure of Lemon and Lane, Maiava will need to establish new passing connections to maintain the Trojans' high-powered aerial attack. The growth of Bowman and the team's young receivers could be crucial to USC's offensive success and Maiava's Heisman Trophy aspirations in 2026.

The details

Maiava called the Trojans' new receiving targets, including Bowman, Taniela Tupou, Trenty Mosley, Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, and Luc Weaver, 'playmakers' who are 'making huge plays on the ball and getting physical down in the run scheme.' The quarterback also mentioned the importance of building chemistry through film study and team activities. Additionally, the Trojans added NC State transfer Terrell Anderson Jr., who has impressed coach Lincoln Riley this spring.

  • USC opened spring practice on March 28, 2026.
  • The Trojans' 2026 season opener is scheduled for September 5, 2026.

The players

Jayden Maiava

The USC Trojans' starting quarterback, who finished fifth nationally in passing yards in 2025 with 3,711.

Mark Bowman

A highly-touted freshman tight end who could become a key part of the Trojans' offense in 2026.

Lincoln Riley

The head coach of the USC Trojans, known for his success in developing Heisman-caliber quarterbacks.

Jonas Williams

A freshman quarterback who is learning Riley's offense under Maiava's guidance.

Terrell Anderson Jr.

A wide receiver transfer from NC State who has impressed the Trojans' coaching staff this spring.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Playmakers, honestly, like Mark Bowman, Nela (Taniela Tupou), all them guys making huge plays on the ball and getting physical down in the run scheme.”

— Jayden Maiava, USC Trojans Quarterback

“Just the basic stuff. Building time in the film room, building time at the team barbecues, just continue to take it one day at a time.”

— Jayden Maiava, USC Trojans Quarterback

“Super talented, phenomenal. I think any quarterback playing in this system under coach Riley is a bright future.”

— Jayden Maiava, USC Trojans Quarterback

“I think it just takes reps, honestly. Whether they be physically being out there or mental reps. That's I feel like me personally where you get better at, is even when you're not out there, you take mental reps in your head.”

— Jayden Maiava, USC Trojans Quarterback

What’s next

USC will continue spring practice throughout April, leading up to the team's annual spring game on April 29, 2026. Maiava and the Trojans' new-look offense will then have the summer to further develop their chemistry before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Maiava's optimism about the Trojans' fresh crop of pass catchers, including highly-touted tight end Mark Bowman and a group of talented young wide receivers, suggests USC's offense could remain potent despite the departures of Lemon and Lane. Maiava's ability to quickly build chemistry with this new receiving corps will be crucial to his own Heisman Trophy aspirations and the team's success in 2026.