USC will start Jayden Maiava vs. Nebraska, | College News

With its first season within the Big Ten slipping away, USC is making a change at quarterback.

Jayden Maiava will get his first start for USC when the Trojans return from their bye to host Nebraska on Nov. 16, in keeping with a individual aware of the choice however not licensed to talk publicly.

The transfer relegates Miller Moss to a reserve function after 9 uneven begins this season. Since a sturdy debut wherein Moss led USC to a season-opening win over Louisiana State in Las Vegas, the redshirt junior’s efficiency has been marked by pricey errors, together with vital interceptions in latest weeks as USC dropped 4 of its final 5 video games, all by a single possession.

What the choice means for the redshirt junior transferring ahead at USC stays to be seen. But with three video games remaining in its season — and with bowl eligibility nonetheless within attain — USC now turns to Maiava, hoping that his twin risk capacity will help spark an offense that has struggled to ship when it mattered most this season.

Moss, a former four-star prospect, had patiently waited for his time at USC over the earlier two seasons as a backup to Caleb Williams. He lastly acquired his likelihood final December on the Holiday Bowl, the place he threw for six touchdowns, securing his place because the presumptive starter for the next season. At the time, USC coach Lincoln Riley, who stated he would search a quarterback within the switch portal, joked that Moss’ efficiency “may have scared off anybody that would want to come here anyway.”

He delivered again on that promise in his first start this season, as Moss threw for 378 yards and accomplished 75% of his passes in a season-opening win over LSU. But for the reason that start of the Big Ten slate, Moss has struggled to seek out his stride. In a loss to Washington final week, Moss threw three interceptions, together with one which sparked a go-ahead scoring drive for the Huskies.

After the sport, Riley was requested if he was tempted to present Maiava a likelihood at quarterback during the ultimate three video games of the season. At the time, Riley stated that he “wouldn’t say that.”

“For us right now,” Riley stated, “what we’re looking at is what’s the best lineup, the best people to help us win every week, and we’re going to keep our focus there.”

The three days since had apparently satisfied the coach in any other case.

Maiava is no stranger to main a school offense. He began 14 video games final yr as quarterback at Nevada Las Vegas, however left an assured beginning function to enter the switch portal after the season. He first dedicated to Georgia in January, earlier than flipping to USC simply two weeks after Moss’ breakout bowl efficiency.

Moss had already staked his declare for the job. But what appeared like a runaway competitors between the 2 quarterbacks by means of fall camp ended up being “neck and neck” in keeping with Riley. Teammates and coaches alike praised Maiava for making a “major, major jump”.

“He’s got a bright future here,” Riley stated. “No doubt about that.”

That future is now beginning earlier than the coach deliberate at USC, with the Trojans determined for any spark that may stop their disappointing season from snowballing any additional.