NCAA Football: Missouri State at Southern California Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

USC Trojans Playmaker Tops Big 10 In Key Advanced Metrics

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Anderson | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 5:43 PM ET

USC Trojans sophomore quarterback Jayden Maiava is making a statement early in the 2025 season, topping all Big Ten quarterbacks with a 90.8 Offensive Grade and an 89.7 Passing Grade per Pro Football Focus. His performance in USC’s season-opening 73-13 rout of Missouri State showed that the Trojans’ offense can hum when their playmaker is in command.

Maiava, completing 15 of 18 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns in just the first half, demonstrated poise, accuracy, and decision-making that sets a tone for the season. Even against an overmatched Missouri State squad—USC’s most points in a game since 1930—Maiava balanced deep shots with short throws, effectively using screens and finding targets in the flat. His ball security and comfort in Lincoln Riley’s system were apparent, providing the Trojans a steady hand at quarterback after the program’s rough start to the 2025 season rankings.

Jayden Maiava’s Performance Gave Several Encouraging Signs for the USC Trojans

USC Trojans Playmaker Tops Big 10 In Key Advanced Metrics 1 Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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While questions remain about USC’s depth at cornerback, receiver, and linebacker, the Trojans boast one of the most formidable backfields in college football. The tandem of Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders set the tone against the Bears, combining for 76 yards on five-plus yard carries and three touchdowns in the first half alone. Jordan’s early score was set up by a 26-yard burst, and Sanders added a 73-yard sprint off a screen pass from Maiava, leaving fans buzzing. Both backs, along with homegrown sophomore Bryan Jackson, are on the 2025 Doak Walker Award watch list, highlighting the explosive talent the Trojans bring to the ground game.

Even as Husan Longstreet took over in the second half, completing all nine of his passes and rushing for two scores, Maiava’s leadership was clear. “He showed full command of the system and was an unquestioned leader during the opening two quarters,” noted analysts, emphasizing the quarterback’s growth during the offseason.

For Lincoln Riley, the combination of a poised quarterback and a dynamic rushing attack creates a balanced attack that could be the key to unlocking USC’s offense in a year when the program is rebuilding. With Jordan, Sanders, and Jackson providing a No. 1-and-2 punch in the backfield, and Maiava orchestrating the attack efficiently, the Trojans appear well-positioned to rebound from a seven-win 2024 season.

If the opening game is any indication, USC’s offense may be poised for a productive campaign, with Maiava leading the charge and a loaded backfield ready to make opposing defenses pay.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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