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Lincoln Riley Announces USC's QB Plans For The 2025 Season

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Dec 5, 2024 11:36 AM ET

Lincoln Riley isn't worried about USC's quarterback situation next year.

The head coach watched Caleb Williams become his third quarterback to win a Heisman Trophy and go No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft. However, Riley didn't lead Miller Moss to the same heights. The junior announced earlier this week that he'll enter the transfer portal after tossing 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions this season.

Last month, Riley benched Moss for Jayden Maiava. The sophomore registered 840 passing yards and accounted for 10 touchdowns in three starts, including victories over Nebraska and UCLA. That finish and a recent recruiting flip have Riley excited about USC's quarterback room in 2025.

Per Ryan Kartje of the Los Angeles Times, Riley told reporters Wednesday that he has "a lot of confidence" in Maiava. He's also eager to bring aboard Husan Longstreet, a five-star prospect who signed with the Trojans weeks after de-committing from Texas A&M.

"I think he's going to continue to progress and get better and better," Riley said of Maiava. "We obviously have a ton of confidence in both he and Husan and what that room has a chance to become. We’re going to put a lot of emphasis, a lot of reps, and a lot of time into those two guys."

In addition to their skills, Riley said he loves how Maiava and Longstreet are "wired." He acknowledged that the program will also pursue some additional quarterback depth this offseason.

"We obviously have to get somebody else at some point in some role to fill out a room and make sure we're doing right by the team," Riley added. "But if you told me next year that we're going in with those two guys, like I feel like we will, I'm very, very excited about it."

Jake Jensen, who hasn't thrown a pass in three years with the Trojans, will also enter the transfer portal. Maiava will become the only remaining USC quarterback who's ever seen the field for Riley's squad.

USC followed an ugly end to the 2023 season by going 6-6 in 2024. While the defense has considerably improved, the Trojans fell from 41.8 to 29.8 points per game.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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