USC quarterback Jayden Maiava is returning for the

USC’s beginning quarterback is returning for another season in 2026.

Jayden Maiava made it official Tuesday as the faculty announced that he had re-signed with the program for the upcoming season, his third with the Trojans.

Maiava led USC to a 9-3 report in his first full season as starter after taking over the job during the last month of the 2023 season. He threw for 3,431 yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also added six scores on the ground.

That strong efficiency led to questions of whether or not Maiava would possibly declare for the NFL draft. Some prognosticators considered Maiava as one of the better potential quarterback prospects in a draft particularly skinny on passers.

Instead, Maiava will run it back at USC, where the Trojans are set to return most of their dynamic 2025 offense in 2026 — the exception being their top two wideouts Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, who both declared for the draft. USC announced earlier this week that it had re-signed No. 1 operating back Waymond Jordan and receivers Tanook Hines and Zacharyus Williams for the 2026 season.

Maiava’s return now turns the consideration to five-star backup Husan Longstreet, who may have a choice to make about his future at USC. It’s unclear if Longstreet can be prepared to wait another season behind Maiava.