USC's Lincoln Riley Sees Big Offseason Ahead for QB Jayden Maiava

Trojans coach expects continued growth from experienced starting QB with new pass-catchers to develop chemistry.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

USC head football coach Lincoln Riley is excited about the offseason development ahead for starting quarterback Jayden Maiava. Riley believes Maiava's biggest challenge will be getting in sync with the Trojans' new group of wide receivers and tight ends, but he's confident the veteran QB can make another big leap forward after an impressive 2025 season.

Why it matters

Quarterback stability is crucial for any college football program, and Maiava's return gives USC continuity at the most important position. However, the Trojans will have significant turnover at the skill positions around Maiava, so his ability to quickly develop chemistry with new targets will be key to the team's offensive success in 2026.

The details

Maiava is entering his third season as USC's starting quarterback after throwing for 3,711 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2025. While the Trojans lose their top receivers from last year, they are bringing in some highly-touted newcomers, including NC State transfer Terrell Anderson and freshman tight end Mark Bowman. Riley believes getting Maiava comfortable with these new pass-catchers will be a major focus this offseason.

  • Maiava is entering his third season as USC's starting QB in 2026.

The players

Lincoln Riley

The head football coach at the University of Southern California.

Jayden Maiava

The starting quarterback for the USC Trojans, entering his third season in that role.

Tanook Hines

An impressive true freshman wide receiver who will be the leading returning pass-catcher for USC.

Terrell Anderson

A wide receiver transfer from NC State who had over 600 receiving yards in the ACC last season.

Mark Bowman

A highly-skilled freshman tight end from Santa Ana (CA) Mater Dei High School who is joining the USC program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“One of Jayden's biggest challenges this year is we'll be very different in the wide receiver room and the tight end room. Getting in sync with those guys will be a big, big part of it.”

— Lincoln Riley, USC Head Football Coach (On3)

“He grew up so much during the offseason a year ago. Just watching him, the player this last year vs. what he was two years ago. It's almost like watching two completely different people. I just feel like this guy's got a huge ceiling. I feel like he can make another jump, just like that. He was already one of the best quarterbacks in the country this year. I'm excited for it.”

— Lincoln Riley, USC Head Football Coach (On3)

What’s next

Riley and the Trojans will closely monitor Maiava's progress this offseason as he works to develop chemistry with the team's new skill position players ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

With an experienced quarterback in Jayden Maiava leading the way, USC's offense has the potential to take another step forward in 2026 if Maiava can quickly get on the same page as the Trojans' new pass-catchers. Maintaining stability at the QB position is crucial, and Riley believes Maiava has the talent and work ethic to make another big leap in his development.