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Jayden Maiava Returning to USC: What Does It Mean for Lincoln Riley's Trojans?
Jayden Maiava returns to USC for 2026, providing stability at quarterback after throwing 3,431 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2025, affecting transfer market decisions.
- On Tuesday, Jayden Maiava re-signed with the USC Trojans for the 2026 season and will bypass the 2026 NFL Draft to return to school next season.
- After a season that earned third-team All-Big Ten honors with 3,431 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, Jayden Maiava opted to return under Lincoln Riley, who said `Jayden has played good`.
- While Maiava returns, USC must replace leading pass catchers Makai Lemon, Ja'Kobi Lane and Lake McRee, though Maiava finished as the eighth-ranked quarterback in the FBS.
- By returning, Maiava removes immediate transfer-market urgency at quarterback as Lincoln Riley keeps the starting job settled, while attention shifts to five-star backup Husan Longstreet's decision to stay or enter the transfer portal.
- Coupled with a top 2026 recruiting class, Maiava's decision raises expectations for a national title push as USC aims for a College Football Playoff spot.
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Jayden Maiava will return for last year of eligibility
.flex_cell.av-3416n6c4-07153bc71f3b5c7b7172408db388a5a4{ vertical-align:top; } Jayden Maiava will return for last year of eligibility Maiava earned significant NFL Draft buzz after throwing for 2,431 passing yards, the most in the Big Ten, and 23 touchdowns. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-2sng8xzo-bacea86ef5ed06a410e61fed670b92e3{ height:10px; } By ANNA JORDAN December 16, 2025 #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-27grdl1w-f649b9595e266c2a1fc941dea8fd4ed5{ heig…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources10
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Center
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
57% Center
L 29%
C 57%
14%
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