Is the hype real or is he underrated? USC’s new starting quarterback, Jayden Maiava, is causing a stir in the latest rankings! After a strong finish last season, all eyes are on him to lead the Trojans through a challenging Big Ten schedule. Will Maiava rise to the occasion and prove his critics wrong?

Jayden Maiava, the USC Trojans’ new starting quarterback, is at the center of a heated debate regarding his standing in updated collegiate quarterback rankings, igniting discussions about his potential impact on the team’s upcoming Big Ten season.

Maiava, a junior transfer from UNLV, assumes the pivotal role of signal-caller for the Trojans, carrying the weight of high expectations after a promising late-season performance. His impressive finish to the previous season, particularly starting the final four games, offered a glimpse into his capabilities and fueled optimism for the 2025 campaign.

Despite his potential, Maiava’s placement at No. 15 in the national quarterback rankings has drawn criticism from some analysts who argue he is undervalued compared to peers like Washington’s Demond Williams and TCU’s Josh Hoover. This ranking fuels the narrative surrounding the USC Trojans Football program’s trajectory.

The updated list features a strong contingent of quarterbacks from the formidable Big Ten Conference, including Allar, Sayin, Iamaleava, Williams, and Altmeyer, setting the stage for intense conference matchups. Maiava’s journey will undoubtedly be defined by these crucial Big Ten contests.

Specifically, Maiava is set to face both Nico Iamaleava of UCLA and Luke Altmyer from Illinois this season, two encounters that are vital to the USC Trojans’ schedule. The road game against Illinois in Champaign is already being dubbed a potential trap game, with significant implications for their season’s outcome.

The path to victory for the Trojans hinges on a combination of defensive dominance and robust offensive production, where Jayden Maiava Quarterback play will be crucial. He is expected to leverage a highly talented receiving corps and an evolving, powerful backfield, including key transfer running backs, to drive the offense.

The tight end room, featuring Lake McRee and Walker Lyons, is healthy and prepared, adding another layer of threat to the Lincoln Riley Offense. This strong supporting cast is designed to ease the pressure on Maiava, allowing him to focus on consistent reads and play execution.

While Maiava has earned Coach Riley’s trust, the true test lies in delivering the consistent results that fans craved last season. If he can maintain consistency, trust his playmakers, and navigate the challenging Big Ten Conference schedule, the USC Trojans could emerge as one of the most dangerous teams in the College Football Rankings.