USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reveals his plans at the quarterback position going into spring football
The USC Trojans have recently cemented themselves as one of the best recruiting teams in the country, if not the best in the country. They have recruited every position well, but it seems like the quarterback position has been their bread and butter. Whether it's the transfer portal or recruiting the high school ranks, it […]
The USC Trojans have recently cemented themselves as one of the best recruiting teams in the country, if not the best in the country. They have recruited every position well, but it seems like the quarterback position has been their bread and butter.
Whether it's the transfer portal or recruiting the high school ranks, it feels like the Trojans always have a quarterback that is highly touted or wanted by other big-time programs and teams. This time, it was Husan Longstreet, the five-star 2025 QB, and last year it was the transfer portal QB Jayden Maiava, who transferred from UNLV.
Maiava became USC’s first Polynesian quarterback. Starting 2024 as Miller Moss’ backup, he stepped in as starter after a 4-5 record. In his first start against Nebraska, he threw for 249 yards and three touchdowns, plus ran for a score, winning 28-20. He finished the season with a 35-31 Las Vegas Bowl win, throwing for 295 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Maiava’s a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and good speed for running. He’s 6’4”, 220 pounds, and could be an NFL prospect, though he needs work on consistency.
As for Husan, the sky is the limit, but, he's a true freshman, so, mistakes will surely come. However, he has all of the talent in the world, and many believe he could end up being the best quarterback in his class when it's all said and done. And, coming into this season it felt like it was Maiava's job to lose, and in a way it still is, but there's going to be competition for the job.
"The best guy is going to play," Lincoln Riley said when asked if there will be a competition during spring football.
When he says that, it's obvious that the two QBs will be going at it in spring ball. Now, in these situations, usually, if it's two very talented QBs, the team will end up going with the more experienced one, which would be Maiava. However, Longstreet is good enough that he could start as a true freshman.
Only time will tell what will happen, but there is about to be plenty to talk about.
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