Lincoln Riley makes massive lineup change in hopes of saving his USC tenure
The USC Trojans quickly learned that hiring a hot young head coach does not equal immediate success. Lincoln Riley hit the ground running in his first season with the Trojans in 2022 as Caleb Williams joined him from Oklahoma. However, after winning 11 games in his debut year, things have gotten much more difficult for […]
The USC Trojans quickly learned that hiring a hot young head coach does not equal immediate success. Lincoln Riley hit the ground running in his first season with the Trojans in 2022 as Caleb Williams joined him from Oklahoma. However, after winning 11 games in his debut year, things have gotten much more difficult for Riley.
On Tuesday, Riley made a big change at quarterback. The program announced that Miller Moss has been benched in favor of Jayden Maiava. Sitting at 4-5 on the year, the third-year coach is surely feeling the pressure from fans, donors, and program backers. Even last month, LenDale White called for Moss to be benched.
Moss hasn't been the only issue at USC, but his recent play also hasn't been good enough. He's thrown 18 touchdowns to nine interceptions on the year, including three brutal picks against Washington last week. It's clear that Moss is talented enough to lead a quality surrounding cast but he doesn't have the traits or play-style to really elevate a unit much higher.
Maiava is an interesting quarterback, and seeing him leave UNLV was a bummer. I thought he'd win this job over the summer, but Moss is the superior passer. Maiava is a very good athlete, standing 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, and running a legit 4.5.
He totaled 277 rushing yards and three scores last year, plus threw for 3,085 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. However, UNLV's scheme was not nearly as friendly as USC's. It's fair to think Maiava would be more efficient under Riley.
With three games left in the regular season, Maiava has the chance to prove himself as the starter for 2025 and beyond. The Trojans can benefit from his rushing, powerful arm, and overall presence.
The Trojans are on a break this week before facing Nebraska, UCLA, and Notre Dame. They need to win two games to become bowl eligible.
