Jayden Maiava Returning to USC, Narrowing Steelers’ 2026 QB Options
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in quarterback-hunting mode heading into the 2026 NFL Draft-but one of their potential targets just took himself off the board.
USC’s Jayden Maiava has officially announced he’s returning to school for another season, opting to continue his development with the Trojans instead of declaring for the draft. For a Steelers front office that’s been actively scouting quarterback talent, this move tightens an already competitive market.
Maiava had drawn Pittsburgh’s attention more than once this past season. The Steelers reportedly had scouts on hand for his high-profile matchup against fellow rising prospect Dante Moore. That wasn’t by accident-Maiava had steadily climbed draft boards after a strong second season as USC’s starting quarterback, recently landing as the No. 53 overall prospect.
But now, he’s staying put.
And for the Steelers, that’s one more name scratched off a list that’s already been trimmed by other college quarterbacks-like Arch Manning-choosing to return for another year.
Maiava’s game had intrigued evaluators for good reason. At 6’4” with a sturdy frame, he brings a physical presence that echoes the kind of quarterback Pittsburgh fans haven’t seen since Ben Roethlisberger. He’s not just a big body either-Maiava’s arm strength, poise under pressure, and ability to extend plays outside the pocket made him a compelling fit for a franchise in search of its next long-term signal caller.
His return to USC isn’t just a personal development decision-it’s a ripple effect moment for quarterback-needy teams. With fewer top-tier passers expected to be available in the 2026 draft, the price to move up for one could rise significantly. And with the Steelers likely sitting behind several other QB-hungry franchises, that could mean tough decisions ahead.
There’s still talent in the upcoming class, no doubt. But the pool is getting shallower, and the demand isn’t slowing down.
If Pittsburgh wants to land a franchise quarterback in April, they may need to get aggressive. The waiting game just got a little more complicated.