Photo Gallery: USC Trojans Open 2025 Season With Statement Win Behind Jayden Maiava

Jayden Maiava flashed poise and power, going 15-for-18 with 295 yards and two touchdowns in one half—Week 1’s top-rated Big Ten quarterback (No.2 in the nation). The only blemish on an outstanding performance was missing a wide-open Makai Lemon on a deep post route in the end zone. Most important — zero turnover-worthy plays on the night.

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Steady Bullpen Outing

Husan Longstreet came in for the second half to get game experience, with the Trojans leading 42-10 at halftime. Longstreet looked hesitant to throw, but didn’t shy away from contact, delivering a punishing blow on third down to get past the first down marker. He ended the night 9-9, 90 yds., 1 TD and 0 INT through the air and 8 rushes for 59 yards (6.9 YPC) and 2 TDs.

Running Backs, Tight End, Quarterbacks, and Safety Score — No Wide Receivers?

USC scored seven touchdowns in the game, but none were tallied by a wide receiver. A lot of preseason hype has been lauded to the dynamic duo, Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, and rightfully so. However, neither one scored a touchdown — and TE Lake McRee was the only person to score on Saturday with his 64-yard touchdown from Jayden Maiava in the first half.

No TDs But Lemon Leaves His Mark

Lemon led the team in receptions, hauling in nine catches for 90 yards, and had 133 all-purpose yards in limited duty in the first half of the game.

Four Trojan Running Backs Score

The top four running backs on the depth chart all scored a touchdown against the Bears. Waymond Jordan, Eli Sanders, Bryan Jackson, and King Miller all found the end zone. Sanders (73-yard reception) and Miller (75-yard run) both scored on explosive plays of over 70 yards.

Offensive Line Shows Discipline And Depth

Zach Hanson’s first year as offensive line coach with the USC Trojans started with a solid debut. Former walk-on center, Kilian O’Connor, was a surprise addition to the season’s first depth chart, getting the nod over Syracuse transfer J’Onre “Big General” Reed for Game 1.

4th Quarter Shutout

Acknowledging the talent disparity on Saturday, the USC Trojans dug deep into its roster to preserve a 4th quarter shutout against Missouri State. The depth was clear on the field late in the game with Marquise Gallegos, Matai Tagoa’i, and Gus Cordova. The outlook is optimistic with this depth in year two under defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn.