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Riley's Seat Cools? QB Maiava Key for USC
9 Sep
Summary
- Jayden Maiava is seen as crucial for Lincoln Riley's success.
- Riley has a strong history of developing NFL-caliber quarterbacks.
- USC faces tough Big Ten competition, including Ohio State and Oregon.
Head coach Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans faces increasing pressure as the college football season progresses. While not on the verge of termination, his position has been under scrutiny, with analyst Paul Finebaum suggesting that quarterback Jayden Maiava could significantly improve Riley's outlook.
Finebaum noted on his show that Riley has a "great quarterback" in Maiava, potentially aiding the team's performance. Riley's track record includes successfully recruiting and developing quarterbacks who have gone on to the NFL, such as Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Caleb Williams. However, USC has not yet made a College Football Playoff appearance under Riley, despite his previous success with three playoff berths at Oklahoma.
The transition to USC came with high expectations, amplified by the university's resources in the current Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. Maiava, recruited from UNLV via the transfer portal, has shown significant improvement and is reportedly off to a strong start in the 2026 season. His play could be pivotal for USC's College Football Playoff hopes.
USC's move to the Big Ten presents a formidable challenge, with matchups against powerhouse teams like Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana on the horizon. A crucial factor for the Trojans' success will be the performance of their defense. If the defense can become at least an average unit and Maiava continues his upward trajectory, both Riley and USC could experience a successful season.
