USC quarterback Jayden Maiava is off to a statistically dominant start to the 2026 season, showcasing efficiency that has drawn comparisons to previous Heisman Trophy winners coached by Lincoln Riley.
Miava has completed 48 of 54 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns in USC's two comfortable victories. His completion rate stands at an impressive 88.9%, with only six incompletions in two games. Riley, who has coached three Heisman-winning quarterbacks, expressed confidence in Maiava's abilities, stating, "I’m glad it’s him. He’s the right quarterback for us now and has come a long ways in so many areas."
In USC's 39-0 win against Fresno State last week, Maiava completed 23 of 25 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns, earning him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors. His completion percentage of 92% in that game was the highest for a USC quarterback with at least 25 pass attempts since 1995. He also recorded streaks of 14 consecutive completions against San Jose State and 15 against Fresno State.
Maiava currently leads the nation in passing yards with 635, although USC is one of a few teams to have played two games. He also ranks third nationally in passing touchdowns and fifth in completion percentage. His average of 8.9 passing yards per attempt ranks second among USC career leaders, behind Caleb Williams and Matt Leinart.
Maiava acknowledged areas for improvement, including ball security on the perimeter, but expressed pride in playing quarterback for USC and striving to uphold the standard set by previous greats. "Being able to be the quarterback at USC, I take pride in it and just kind of do whatever I can do to be placed [alongside] the great names that were here before me because they paved the road for this team and they’ve set the standard, and we’re just trying to do our best to uphold that standard," he said.
USC will face Louisiana next on Saturday night at the Coliseum.