USC’s beginning quarterback is returning for an additional season in 2026.
Jayden Maiava made it official Tuesday as the varsity introduced that he had re-signed with this system for the upcoming season, his third with the Trojans.
Maiava led USC to a 9-3 file in his first full season as starter after taking on the job in the course of the last month of the 2023 season. He threw for 3,431 yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He additionally added six scores on the bottom.
That robust efficiency led to questions of whether or not Maiava would possibly declare for the NFL draft. Some prognosticators considered Maiava as one of many higher potential quarterback prospects in a draft particularly skinny on passers.
As a substitute, Maiava will run it again at USC, the place the Trojans are set to return most of their dynamic 2025 offense in 2026 — the exception being their prime two wideouts Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, who each declared for the draft. USC introduced earlier this week that it had re-signed No. 1 working again Waymond Jordan and receivers Tanook Hines and Zacharyus Williams for the 2026 season.
Maiava’s return now turns the eye to five-star backup Husan Longstreet, who may have a choice to make about his future at USC. It’s unclear if Longstreet could be keen to attend one other season behind Maiava.
