USC benches Miller Moss in favor of Jayden Maiava, who gets the nod against Nebraska
Jayden Maiava running in for a score against UTAH ST. He’ll start over Miller Moss vs NEB on Noc. 16.(Allen J. Schaben / LAT)
Ryan Kartje (LA Times) — With its first season in the Big Ten slipping away, USC is making a change at quarterback.
Jayden Maiava will get his first start for USC when the Trojans return from their bye to host Nebraska on Nov. 16, according to a person familiar with the decision but not authorized to speak publicly.
The move relegates Miller Moss to a reserve role after nine uneven starts this season. Since a strong debut in which Moss led USC to a season-opening win over Louisiana State in Las Vegas, the redshirt junior’s performance has been marked by costly mistakes, including critical interceptions in recent weeks as USC dropped four of its last five games, all by a single possession.
Miller Moss looks on from the sideline during the loss to UW on Saturday in Seattle. (Lindsey Wasson / AP)
What the decision means for the redshirt junior moving forward at USC remains to be seen. But with three games remaining in its season — and with bowl eligibility still within reach — USC now turns to Maiava, hoping that his dual threat ability will help spark an offense that has struggled to deliver when it mattered most this season.
Moss, a former four-star prospect, had patiently waited for his time at USC over the previous two seasons as a backup to Caleb Williams. He finally got his chance last December at the Holiday Bowl, where he threw for six touchdowns, securing his place as the presumptive starter for the following season. At the time, USC coach Lincoln Riley, who said he would seek a quarterback in the transfer portal, joked that Moss’ performance “may have scared off anybody that would want to come here anyway.”
He delivered again on that promise in his first start this season, as Moss threw for 378 yards and completed 75% of his passes in a season-opening win over LSU. But since the start of the Big Ten slate, Moss has struggled to find his stride. In a loss to Washington last week, Moss threw three interceptions, including one that sparked a go-ahead scoring drive for the Huskies.
After the game, Riley was asked if he was tempted to give Maiava a chance at quarterback during the final three games of the season. At the time, Riley said that he “wouldn’t say that.”
“For us right now,” Riley said, “what we’re looking at is what’s the best lineup, the best people to help us win every week, and we’re going to keep our focus there.”
The three days since had apparently convinced the coach otherwise.
Maiava is no stranger to leading a college offense. He started 14 games last year as quarterback at Nevada Las Vegas, but left an assured starting role to enter the transfer portal after the season. He first committed to Georgia in January, before flipping to USC just two weeks after Moss’ breakout bowl performance.
Moss had already staked his claim for the job. But what seemed like a runaway competition between the two quarterbacks through fall camp ended up being “neck and neck” according to Riley. Teammates and coaches alike praised Maiava for making a “major, major jump”.
“He’s got a bright future here,” Riley said. “No doubt about that.”
That future is now starting earlier than the coach planned at USC, with the Trojans desperate for any spark that might stop their disappointing season from snowballing any further.
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A source with knowledge of the situation told the Southern California News Group that Lincoln Riley called Jayden Maiava Monday night and informed him he’d be USC’s starter Luca Evans (OC Register) — “He finally has a chance to show the world,” a source familiar with the QB switch said of Jayden Maiava, “and he’s been working his ass off.” Maiava’s QB coach Ryan Porter, who has also long worked with current impressive Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, called Maiava fundamentally “as gifted as anybody I’ve ever been around.” But development has been needed, after a slightly turnover-prone year at… Read more »
If memory serves, he’s only played in one game so with three games left he could play all three and still get a redshirt. Nope wrong looked it up he actually played a few downs against Wisconsin and Rutgers. He will be a Jr. next season. Maybe this projected change is smoke and mirrors to wake up Moss?
To give LR the benefit of the doubt, I think he is past the “Smoke and Mirrors” stage. How could he not be? USC has fundamental problems within its football program that require serious solutions. This is a good move and a positive step in the right direction. I was beginning to think we might not have a chance to win our last three games and get into a bowl. I think that’s possible now. This team needs a jump start after these brutal losses and this is a good beginning. Miller can always go back in if Maiava shows… Read more »
I hope we give Maiava these 3 games to get his sea legs. It’s only fair. He will struggle for sure, but to be expected. Is it possible for Riley to pull Maiava in signs of trouble to prove once again his choice to stick with an underperforming Moss was the right one? I’m so disillusioned with Riley at this point I’m creating conspiracy theories.
I think we are all scratching our heads trying to figure out how the wheels fell off. Some say not running, or bad play calling, stubborness to change or other reasons. I believe we have Riley for a while, and I am hopeful he is maturing through all this dumpster fire we have at present. He may wind up getting it all dialed in be the coach worth his paycheck. Until then we just need to support the Trojans and hope for the best.
Hopefully the receivers will stop dropping the ball and make the hard catches as well as the easy ones. If only our kicker had one more foot of leg power we could have won the WA game. I have a hard time going negative on Riley because I do believe there is a really good coach in there somewhere. I am hopeful in the kids coming up and the next class if they can hold it together. Maiava may be fix they need on offense.
I was thinking the same but he spot played. Watched him against Utah St. He scored a TD ( run ). Coliseum went nuts. He’s been watching mostly from the sidelines ever since.
Thanks Miller…..you gave it all you have. Which is all anyone can ask.
This decision should have been made 6 weeks ago. Poor pass blocking line means mobile QB to help.
As for the decision…….closed practice……. but he announces the change to the public 2 weeks ahead so Nebraska can adjust to the best of their ability. Don’t ask me.
Is he taking stupid pills.
I think LR felt he had to make this announcement publicly because the tone around him has become so dark.
While he can’t be fired, he’s still very vulnerable from the loss of respect vantage point. He had to stem the bleeding IMO, and this move somewhat mollifies the ever-spreading view that he is terminally stubborn.
LR actually changed course during the season! Late as usual, but better than nothing.
Your take is the only logical reason. It’s just sad that his rep comes before the programs best interest ( use all advantages available) and also Maiava’s only element of surprise has been eliminated so he’s just another untested qb entering a game where the opponent has a good preparation plan.
The only difference will be in how Maiava handles himself in a broken pocket. What does Neb do except perhaps have a spy on him. That gets the back open. If Maiava knows the offense good enough he could mean a couple of scores a game difference, and hence, a win for a change. I just wish they would tighten up the D backfield. Short passes keep drives alive.
USC doesn’t need an advantage to beat Nebraska. This is a great move by LR, albeit late, but maybe Maiva needed to learn the system. LR’s track record shows that he needs a mobile QB to fit his system.
Miller Moss looks on from the sideline during the loss to UW on Saturday in Seattle. (Lindsey Wasson / AP)
It’s coming right up!
Tuesday’s first release of the College Football Playoff rankings will take place at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
As far as USC goes, maybe next year.
A source with knowledge of the situation told the Southern California News Group that Lincoln Riley called Jayden Maiava Monday night and informed him he’d be USC’s starter Luca Evans (OC Register) — “He finally has a chance to show the world,” a source familiar with the QB switch said of Jayden Maiava, “and he’s been working his ass off.” Maiava’s QB coach Ryan Porter, who has also long worked with current impressive Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, called Maiava fundamentally “as gifted as anybody I’ve ever been around.” But development has been needed, after a slightly turnover-prone year at… Read more »
If memory serves, he’s only played in one game so with three games left he could play all three and still get a redshirt. Nope wrong looked it up he actually played a few downs against Wisconsin and Rutgers. He will be a Jr. next season. Maybe this projected change is smoke and mirrors to wake up Moss?
To give LR the benefit of the doubt, I think he is past the “Smoke and Mirrors” stage. How could he not be? USC has fundamental problems within its football program that require serious solutions. This is a good move and a positive step in the right direction. I was beginning to think we might not have a chance to win our last three games and get into a bowl. I think that’s possible now. This team needs a jump start after these brutal losses and this is a good beginning. Miller can always go back in if Maiava shows… Read more »
I hope we give Maiava these 3 games to get his sea legs. It’s only fair. He will struggle for sure, but to be expected. Is it possible for Riley to pull Maiava in signs of trouble to prove once again his choice to stick with an underperforming Moss was the right one? I’m so disillusioned with Riley at this point I’m creating conspiracy theories.
I think we are all scratching our heads trying to figure out how the wheels fell off. Some say not running, or bad play calling, stubborness to change or other reasons. I believe we have Riley for a while, and I am hopeful he is maturing through all this dumpster fire we have at present. He may wind up getting it all dialed in be the coach worth his paycheck. Until then we just need to support the Trojans and hope for the best.
I agree. I thought when he finally shows some priority to the defensive side of the ball we were on our way. You’re right, this may take a while.
Riley will only make himself look worse if he gives Maiava an early hook.
It’s been sad and unfortunate to see Miller Moss actually regress this season under LR’s coaching.
If USC can’t win out and beat our two biggest rivals, the least we can do is prepare better for the post-season football gap and 2025 on the field.
This is a beneficial move for USC either way.
Hopefully the receivers will stop dropping the ball and make the hard catches as well as the easy ones. If only our kicker had one more foot of leg power we could have won the WA game. I have a hard time going negative on Riley because I do believe there is a really good coach in there somewhere. I am hopeful in the kids coming up and the next class if they can hold it together. Maiava may be fix they need on offense.
I was thinking the same but he spot played. Watched him against Utah St. He scored a TD ( run ). Coliseum went nuts. He’s been watching mostly from the sidelines ever since.
Thanks Miller…..you gave it all you have. Which is all anyone can ask.
This decision should have been made 6 weeks ago. Poor pass blocking line means mobile QB to help.
As for the decision…….closed practice……. but he announces the change to the public 2 weeks ahead so Nebraska can adjust to the best of their ability. Don’t ask me.
Is he taking stupid pills.
Thinking the same thing. Why in hell would he give what little advantage we have on Nebraska away. To allow them to prep on Maiva.
I think LR felt he had to make this announcement publicly because the tone around him has become so dark.
While he can’t be fired, he’s still very vulnerable from the loss of respect vantage point. He had to stem the bleeding IMO, and this move somewhat mollifies the ever-spreading view that he is terminally stubborn.
LR actually changed course during the season! Late as usual, but better than nothing.
Your take is the only logical reason. It’s just sad that his rep comes before the programs best interest ( use all advantages available) and also Maiava’s only element of surprise has been eliminated so he’s just another untested qb entering a game where the opponent has a good preparation plan.
The only difference will be in how Maiava handles himself in a broken pocket. What does Neb do except perhaps have a spy on him. That gets the back open. If Maiava knows the offense good enough he could mean a couple of scores a game difference, and hence, a win for a change. I just wish they would tighten up the D backfield. Short passes keep drives alive.
USC doesn’t need an advantage to beat Nebraska. This is a great move by LR, albeit late, but maybe Maiva needed to learn the system. LR’s track record shows that he needs a mobile QB to fit his system.