USC quarterback Jayden Maiava added another preseason honor Thursday, landing on the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch list as he heads into his fifth-year senior season.
Maiava has already stacked up plenty of recognition before the year even kicks off. He’s been included on the watch lists for the Maxwell Award, the Wuerffel Trophy and the Walter Camp Player of the Year award. He’s also one of 12 Big Ten players on the preseason honors list and was named a nominee for the AFCA Goodworks Team for his work on and off the field.
His production last season gave the resume plenty of weight. Maiava completed 265 of 403 passes for 3,711 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while also adding 157 rushing yards on 54 carries and six scores in 13 games.
That performance earned him All-Big Ten Third Team recognition from the conference, Phil Steele and the Pro Football Sports Network. He was also a finalist for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year award and a semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien award.
The Golden Arm watch list includes 27 quarterbacks, among them CJ Carr of Notre Dame, Dante Moore of Oregon and Noah Fifita of Arizona. Marcel Reed of Texas A&M and Gunner Stockton of Georgia are also on the list after appearing as finalists.
The award will narrow to a top 25 list in early October, followed by 10 semifinalists in late October, five finalists in November and the winner in December.
In Other News...
Zuriah Fisher Offers An Early Read On USCs New Defensive Identity
USCs defense is trying to look like a different unit heading into 2026, and the changes have come fast enough to match the ambition. Gary Patterson is in as defensive coordinator, five transfers have been added on that side of the ball, and former Penn State edge rusher Zuriah Fisher is part of the group tasked with helping reshape the Trojans into something sturdier and more disruptive. Fisher brings five years of Big Ten experience with him, and his presence fits the broader push for a defense that plays with more force and confidence.
Fisher has been back on the field after a brief setback in fall camp, and he has had a close view of what Patterson is asking for. The early signs have centered on a better baseline of physicality, especially from the younger players who are starting to grow into bigger roles and leadership responsibilities. It is still early, but the Trojans appear to be building a defense that wants to hit first and set the tone rather than react to it. [Read more 🡒]
USC Heads Into Game Week With One Roster Battle Suddenly Heating Up
USC wrapped its final full on-field practice before game week with a session that looked and sounded a lot like a team trying to get its last details in order. The Trojans worked through positional drills and special teams periods, with coaches active on the field and several players available to talk about where things stand as the opener approaches. Prophet Brown and RJ Sermons both offered insight into their health, versatility and the way the group is handling the final stretch before the season begins.
The biggest note from the workout was how cleanly it came together at a time when many teams are still sorting out their depth charts and physical status. USC did not come away from the day with any fresh injury alarms, and the overall tone suggested a roster settling into game-week rhythm rather than one scrambling to patch holes. Even so, there is still enough movement at key spots to keep one roster battle worth watching as the Trojans head into the final countdown. [Read more 🡒]
USC Linebacker Battle Is Bringing Real Pressure To Returning Starters
The linebacker room has become one of the more interesting spots in USC camp heading into 2026, and that is exactly the kind of pressure the Trojans have been looking for. Returning starters Desman Stephens and Jadyn Walker are back in the mix, but they are no longer operating with anything close to a clear runway, with Washington transfer Deven Bryant pushing for a role and freshman Talanoa Ili drawing attention as well.
Lincoln Riley has singled out Bryant and Ili as standouts, a sign that the competition is doing more than simply filling practice reps. For USC, the larger goal is to raise the level of play at linebacker and build a stronger defensive front, which makes this one of the more important position battles on the roster as the season approaches. [Read more 🡒]