USC's Jayden Maiava ranked No. 9 quarterback for 2026 football season

USC football enters a prove-it season in the Big Ten with quarterback Jayden Maiava returning for another season. Heisman Trophy hype is part of the reality for Maiava, but so is skepticism from some corners, given that Lincoln Riley has utterly failed to lift the Trojans to a higher level, specifically the College Football Playoff. CBS Sports has Maiava listed as one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the country, but only at No. 9. This might undersell Maiava to a considerable extent.

One question facing Jayden Maiava going into 2026: How will he perform without Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane? Those two receivers, Lemon in particular, made life a lot easier and more manageable for Maiava, who put up big numbers in a USC offense which was very good for the vast majority of the season. Without those receivers in 2026, Maiava will have to establish connections with new receivers. Tanook Hines is the proven veteran who should be a favorite target, but other new options will need to emerge.

What could really help Jayden Maiava this year is USC's running back room. The Trojans were really effective early in the season when their running backs were healthy. The offense was balanced and unpredictable, making it harder for opposing defenses to take away one player or threat. They had to account for a lot of different possibilities. Then the injury bug hit the running back room, and USC's offense wasn't quite the same. With better health at the position this year, Jayden Maiava could be even better.

What really enhances Maiava's outlook for 2026 is that USC has a strong offensive line under position coach Zach Hanson. Maiava should get the protection he needs to make the important throws for this offense in the fall.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football QB Jayden Maiava earns top-10 ranking in preseason list