LOS ANGELES — USC quarterback Jayden Maiava is not comfortable, despite the Trojans getting out to a 3-0 start to the season. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s uncomfortable.
“I don’t think I’m comfortable at all right now,” Maiava told reporters after practice on Tuesday. “There’s a lot to learn from. You don’t want to get complacent. When you get a little success, you don’t want to fall back. You just want to work harder, and sharpen that edge.”
The efforts to become a smarter – and better-rested – quarterback are culminating in a forceful start to the season.
Maiava has emerged as the top quarterback in the Big Ten Conference when it comes to passing yards per game (329.7) and he’s averaging 14.1 yards per attempt.
Training fixtures like the Trojan Period continue to breed the competitive mindset that Maiava seeks, and they are also helping the team close out games strong. The first-team offense goes against the first-team defense with less elaborate play calls and more hard-nosed competition.
“It’s more about physicality and technique and finishing, and we move it around day to day, so they don’t know exactly when it’s actually going to show up in the practice and how it’s going to play out,” Riley said.
“It’s become really competitive and just a period that I think the guys always look forward to. A period that as a program we hang our hat on.”
Maiava has yet to throw an interception and is playing behind an offensive line that has only allowed two sacks. The only statistic where he has dropped off from last season is rushing yards.
“We’ve got better guys to run the ball,” Maiava told reporters. “Like Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders. Being able to get them the rock is huge for me and in terms of me running the ball, it’s just whatever the defense gives me.”
USC’s expanded options in the passing game complement Maiava’s enhanced skill set, especially when it comes to decision-making. Tanook Hines is making a name for himself alongside Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane in the receiving corps, and a built-up tight ends room allows the coaching staff to experiment more with 12 personnel.
“Since the day I got here, we have been like, all right, we have to build there,” Riley said of the tight ends. “That room was a ways off when we got here in terms of the depth and talent and skill sets that we want to have. It’s certainly gotten closer to where we wanted to be, and it’s cool to see those guys being able to affect our team in some positive ways.”
The tight ends didn’t contribute a single touchdown last season, but this year have already chipped in three between Lake McRee, Walker Lyons and Carson Tabaracci.
INJURY REPORT
Cornerback Chasen Johnson will be out for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury, Riley told reporters on Tuesday. He had played in only the Sept. 6 game against Georgia Southern this season and recorded one tackle.
The UCF transfer started four games for the Knights in 2024 and finished that season with 18 tackles and two pass breakups.
Receiver Zacharyus Williams is also expected to miss time due to an undisclosed injury sustained against Georgia Southern.
“We’ll see how it is,” Riley said. “It’s probably gonna be a few weeks, so we won’t have him for sure for the next couple weeks.”
Williams had three receptions in the first two games, including a season-long catch of 61 yards against Georgia Southern.
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