USC QB Maiava Praises Transfer WR Anderson's Spring Performance

Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava is excited about the addition of Terrell Anderson to the receiving corps.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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USC quarterback Jayden Maiava spoke highly of transfer wide receiver Terrell Anderson following the Trojans' spring practice. Maiava said Anderson has looked "super smooth" and "electric" on the field, and that he's "super blessed" to have him as part of the team. Maiava also discussed the team's overall progress this spring, the impact of new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson, and which players have impressed him so far.

Why it matters

The addition of Terrell Anderson, a transfer from NC State, is a key storyline for USC as they look to build on their 9-4 season and push for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Maiava's positive assessment of Anderson's performance in spring practice suggests the Trojans' passing attack could be even more potent in 2026.

The details

Maiava, who led the Big Ten in passing in 2025, said Anderson has "done such a great job" and looks "super smooth out there, electric, a guy that wants to get open and wants to get the ball." The quarterback also praised the overall team chemistry and the work of new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson, who joined the staff from TCU.

  • USC is currently in the midst of spring practice ahead of the 2026 season.

The players

Jayden Maiava

The starting quarterback for the USC Trojans, coming off a phenomenal 2025 season in which he led the Big Ten in passing.

Terrell Anderson

A transfer wide receiver who joined the USC Trojans from NC State, and has impressed Maiava with his performance in spring practice.

Gary Patterson

The new defensive coordinator for the USC Trojans, who previously held the same position at TCU.

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What they’re saying

“Terrell, specifically, has done such a great job. He looks super smooth out there, electric, a guy that wants to get open and wants to get the ball. You've got to appreciate guys like that, so being able to have him out there. I was super blessed.”

— Jayden Maiava, USC Trojans Quarterback (si.com)

“It's a different feel every single day, honestly. They're doing a great job on their side of the ball, giving us great looks. Coach Gary Patterson got the guys dialed in for sure. I'm happy in the direction we're going on that side of the ball. Obviously, offensively, we just got to be able to minimize all the mistakes and just make winning plays.”

— Jayden Maiava, USC Trojans Quarterback (si.com)

What’s next

The USC Trojans will continue their spring practice schedule as they prepare for the 2026 season and a push towards the College Football Playoff.

The takeaway

The addition of transfer wide receiver Terrell Anderson has USC's starting quarterback Jayden Maiava excited about the potential of the Trojans' passing attack in 2026. With Maiava coming off a strong 2025 season and the defense getting a boost from new coordinator Gary Patterson, USC appears poised to build on last year's success and make a run at the CFP.