Jayden Maiava’s 6’4” Mesa, Arizona weapon went viral this weekend, and not without reason. The Trojan crowd let out an audible gasp during one-on-ones when USC Trojans’ redshirt junior QB put it up high and watched his target snatch it from the sky—one hand, full extension, over DeCarlos Nicholson, a redshirt senior corner with blanket coverage. Maiava, the UNLV transfer who arrived with a cannon and command, knew exactly who he was throwing to. And Lincoln Riley, now entering a critical year in Southern California, didn’t shy away from what it meant. The message is clear: this isn’t just a playmaker—they’re building something around him.

Even when he’s covered, junior receiver Ja’Kobi Lane is still open. If spring ball is a glimpse into USC’s fall identity, Lane is the headline act. With older receivers out of the room, Lane’s now the one everyone looks to—both on and off the field. “I think you know some of the older receivers in the room are gone now,” Coach Riley said of Lane after eight spring practices, “and he’s getting to the point where he not only needs to mature individually but this team needs him to in terms of the leader and presence that he is.”

That presence has always been there in spurts. Now it’s becoming steady. “He does have an infectious energy, a competitive energy that affects our football team,” Riley continued. “He’s got some big goals for this team, and he wants to be a leader, and he wants to be somebody this team can count on each and every day.” And Lane’s buy-in is showing up in the right places. “He’s doing a lot of things better than he ever has,” Riley added. “He’s taken his craft more seriously, he’s taken the leadership more seriously… haven’t had some of the emotional ups and downs that at times have plagued him early in his career.”

That’s a coach signaling a shift. And for a program that’s watched big names flash without consistency over the past two seasons. Lincoln Riley wants Lane to become the guy—not just the viral moment. “The more steady he can be, the explosive plays and all the things will come out of this guy because he’s that talented of a player,” he said. “If that continues, he’ll be set up to have a great season and, most importantly, be a really good leader for this team.”

Lane, for his part, understands the weight of that spotlight—and he’s not backing down. “Realizing when everybody around you pushes to that next level it’s like I have to go better, I don’t have another option,” Lane said. “So, I think having that person next to me push me, whether it’s somebody on offense or defense, that’s where my confidence lies.” That mindset is exactly what Riley has been pressing for. A culture built on internal accountability, not highlight-reel distractions. And the tape doesn’t lie. Ja’Kobi Lane was more than just a viral spring story. He was one of USC’s most efficient red-zone targets in 2024. As a sophomore, he tallied 43 receptions for 525 yards and 12 touchdowns, good for second in the Big Ten only behind Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith.

The season finale against Notre Dame was his national breakout—a three-touchdown effort punctuated by another absurd one-handed grab in the back corner of the end zone. For a former four-star recruit from the 2023 cycle, the physical tools were never the question. Now, the mental side is catching up. While much of the offseason buzz has swirled around how Riley will retool this post-Miller Moss offense, it’s become obvious that Lane is going to be central to whatever Maiava becomes.

And for those watching closely, Lincoln Riley also dropped a strong nod toward Maiava himself. “He’s got the ability—Maiava has the ability—to help this team on the offensive line or the defensive line,” he said, referencing Maiava’s athletic build. “He had a couple of really good practices on the D-line before we made this move—probably the best practice that he’s had here. So he’s definitely going to make an impact.” Whether that’s under center or elsewhere remains a mystery, but there’s no doubt about one thing—he’s got a cheat code in Lane.

The Trojans are going to need leaders as much as they need plays.

Lincoln Riley must be watching his hungry QBs fighting like a proud dad

The USC Trojans are bringing back six offensive starters in 2025, and all eyes are on redshirt junior Jayden Maiava. The poised Hawaii native who took the reins from Moss late last season. After starting the final four games, Maiava is now in a “quarterback battle” with flashy five-star freshman Husan Longstreet. But let’s be real—Maiava’s got the edge, and he knows it. Still, that doesn’t mean he’s easing up one bit.

“It doesn’t change at all,” Maiava said when asked about the QB competition. “Just attacking the day and staying consistent with that each and every day, day in and day out. Being able to stack these days and go to work and compete every day.”

It’s clear this guy’s got his head down and his sights up. He knows what it’ll take to lead USC’s offense, and he’s locked in. “Just got to stay in the film room, eliminate turning over the ball and just play winning football every snap,” he added.

And don’t sleep on his connection with Ja’Kobi Lane, the Trojans’ junior WR. “The spectacular plays that he makes on the field—it’s no surprise,” Maiava said. “That’s who Ja’Kobi is.” They’re going to be the problem on the field.