Jayden Maiava is stepping into the spotlight after a standout season that showcased his prowess as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. Last year, Maiava led the USC Trojans to a 9-4 finish in their second year in the Big Ten, proving they belong in the conference, thanks in large part to his exceptional play.
This season, Maiava's reputation continues to grow, shedding his previous underdog status. He's now recognized as a top quarterback in the Big Ten and is even making waves nationally, cracking the top ten in quarterback rankings.
In a recent ranking by Ari Wasserman of ON3, Maiava is positioned at number seven among the nation's quarterbacks. The Big Ten is well-represented, with four quarterbacks making the list.
Dante Moore is ranked second, followed by Julian Sayin and Josh Hoover in the top four. While Arch Manning had a rocky season, his strong finish kept him in the conversation.
Julian Sayin and Dante Moore had remarkable seasons, with Sayin setting a record for the highest quarterback rating in college football history. Despite Moore's rough final game, he's still considered a top prospect for the upcoming NFL draft.
Maiava, meanwhile, was right on their heels. His accuracy and leadership of the highest-scoring offense in the country were pivotal, and his connection with receiver Makai Lemon was electric. There's a strong case for Maiava to be ranked alongside Josh Hoover, if not higher, in the top five.
Hoover, coming off an impressive 3,472-yard, 29-touchdown season at TCU, joins the Indiana Hoosiers. While he's in a good position with talent like Nick Marsh, Maiava's consistency and potential give him the edge.
With another season under Lincoln Riley and a deeper understanding of the offense, Maiava is poised for even greater success. He'll have the support of emerging talents like Tanook Hines, a strong running game with Waymond Jordan and King Miller, and a system designed to maximize his strengths. All signs point to Maiava making a legitimate run at the Heisman Trophy.
Maiava's rise in the rankings is well-deserved, but there's still room for more recognition. Given his performance, he should be considered a top-five quarterback in the nation and, at the very least, the third-best in the Big Ten. Keep an eye on Maiava-his story is just getting started.