USC QB Battle: Lincoln Riley updates where things stand after Jayden Maiava’s first start

USC made a change at quarterback going into this weekend with Jayden Maiava becoming the starter over Miller Moss. Now, after the first outing for Maiava as the Trojans’ QB1, Lincoln Riley spoke on where that position now stands in LA.

Riley assessed the quarterbacks for USC following a 28-20 win over Nebraska. He didn’t want to go too far considering it was only one game and it is a decision that they see as being on a week-by-week basis. Still, Riley credited Maiva for what he showed in his debut as their starter.

“Yeah, I mean, you know, we just got done with the first game. But he did a great job,” Riley said postgame. “I think he’s a talented guy.”

More than the talent, though, is the buy-in from Maiava. Riley appreciates how much he has given to their team throughout this season. That’s been the case whether he has been the backup quarterback or now the starting one.

“I think he’s, you know, very much all-in for this team. His willingness to be all-in for this team has not been predicated on him playing or not and that’s what I like the best,” added Riley. “Like, you know, your passion for what you do? It can’t be tied to just success or if it goes your way. The more guys that we can get in our locker room like that?..The more guys you get in here, the more games like that? The more games you’re going to win.”

Maiava went 25-35 (71.4%) for 259 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in the eight-point win. He also rushed for 20 yards and another score to give him four on the afternoon.

That’s on the trend of what Maiava did last season as the starter at UNLV. However, it’s all the more noteworthy considering it came against a ‘Husker defense that’s one of the better units in the country.

Riley is going to continue to assess his quarterbacks as the season continues. Even so, Maiava impressed and could continue to start to end this season at USC.