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yesterday

USC Sets Jayden Maiava at QB, Elevates Freshman WR as Riley Faces Proving Year

Preseason doubts deepen with USC left out of the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2019.

Southern California coach Lincoln Riley congratulates quarterback Jayden Maiava after Maiava ran the ball in for a touchdown during the second half against Nebraska on Nov. 16, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Overview

  • Lincoln Riley reaffirmed Jayden Maiava, who finished last season as the starter, will open 2025 at quarterback.
  • The new depth chart lists true freshman Tanook Hines as a starting receiver with Makai Lemon, and Ja’Kobi Lane is cleared for the opener, according to Riley.
  • USC revamped its infrastructure with Trumain Carroll taking over the strength program and NFL veteran Rob Ryan coaching linebackers under coordinator D’Anton Lynn.
  • A stretch featuring Illinois on the road, Michigan at home and a trip to Notre Dame is widely viewed as the period that will define USC’s trajectory.
  • Riley enters Year Four under heightened scrutiny after a 7-6 Big Ten debut and a 15-13 record since his first-season surge.