Jayden Maiava Tops Arch Manning in PFSN's Returning QB Rankings

USC's Maiava edges out Texas' Manning in preseason Power 4 quarterback rankings.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The offseason hype surrounding Texas quarterback Arch Manning has cooled slightly, as USC's Jayden Maiava was ranked as the top returning Power 4 quarterback by PFSN's College QB Impact Score. Maiava posted a 93.1 score in 2025, the highest among returning QBs, while Manning was notably absent from the top 10 list. However, with an improved supporting cast at Texas, Manning could be poised for a breakout 2026 season and challenge Maiava for Heisman Trophy consideration.

Why it matters

The quarterback battle between Maiava and Manning is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2026 college football season. Both are expected to be in the Heisman Trophy conversation, and their performances could have major implications for their teams' national title aspirations.

The details

Jayden Maiava, the USC Trojans quarterback under coach Lincoln Riley, topped PFSN's rankings of the top 10 returning Power 4 quarterbacks for the 2026 season. Maiava posted a 93.1 PFSN College QB Impact Score in 2025, the highest among all returning QBs. His strong performance helped power USC's offense, which earned an A- grade from PFSN and ranked among the top five offenses in the country. However, Maiava will face some challenges in 2026, as he'll be without his top two receiving targets from last season, Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane, both of whom declared for the NFL Draft.

  • PFSN released its rankings of the top 10 returning Power 4 quarterbacks for the 2026 season on March 8, 2026.

The players

Jayden Maiava

The quarterback for the USC Trojans under coach Lincoln Riley. Maiava posted a 93.1 PFSN College QB Impact Score in 2025, the highest among returning Power 4 quarterbacks.

Arch Manning

The quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, who is widely being discussed as a potential Heisman Trophy favorite and the face of a Texas team expected to contend for a national title in 2026.

Makai Lemon

The 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner, who was Jayden Maiava's top receiving target at USC before declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Ja'Kobi Lane

A standout receiver at USC who declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after the 2025 season, leaving Maiava without his second-best receiving target.

Hollywood Smothers

A running back who transferred to Texas from NC State, strengthening the Longhorns' backfield and providing an improved supporting cast for Arch Manning.

Raleek Brown

A running back who transferred to Texas from Arizona State, also joining the Longhorns' backfield and bolstering the supporting cast around Arch Manning.

Cam Coleman

A wide receiver who transferred to Texas from Auburn, becoming one of the most coveted portal additions and further upgrading the supporting cast around Arch Manning.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The race for the Heisman Trophy in 2026 could come down to a battle between Jayden Maiava and Arch Manning, as both quarterbacks look to lead their teams to national title contention.

The takeaway

The preseason hype surrounding Arch Manning has cooled slightly, but the Texas quarterback still has the tools and supporting cast to challenge Jayden Maiava and emerge as a top Heisman Trophy contender in 2026. The quarterback battle between the two could be one of the most compelling storylines of the upcoming college football season.