Lincoln Riley’s reputation has always been tied to quarterbacks, and USC’s current setup is giving that track record more fuel. With Jayden Maiava coming off a strong first season as the full-time starter and freshman Jonas Williams arriving with plenty of upside, the Trojans have built a room that’s drawing real attention.
That attention showed up in a recent ranking from Blake Brockermeyer, who placed USC seventh among the best quarterback rooms in college football. His case starts with Maiava, who made a clear leap last season.
"Jayden Maiava took a real jump last year in his first season as a full-time starter. He had a fantastic season, throwing for more than 3,400 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Lincoln Riley has already proven he knows how to coach and develop quarterbacks, and Maiava gives USC a strong option at the top of the room. Behind him, Sam Huard is likely the backup - or at least the veteran option - after an interesting college career that included starting experience at Cal Poly.
The future of the room is talented freshman Jonas Williams, who has all the tools to be great. He is likely the next big thing at USC, and he gives the Trojans another high-upside piece in a room that already has proven production."
Maiava’s numbers backed up the progress, and USC’s structure put him in position to thrive. The bigger long-term swing is Williams, whose ceiling has people thinking ahead to what Riley might do once it’s his turn.
At minimum, the Trojans look set up for solid quarterback play this season. Longer term, the room carries the kind of upside that keeps USC in the conversation.
In Other News...
USC Just Got The Oregon Opening Lincoln Riley Cannot Waste
Oregons secondary is still sorting itself out as Chris Hampton settles in as defensive coordinator, and that kind of uncertainty is exactly the sort of opening USC has to be ready to press. The Ducks have multiple players in the mix for key jobs back there, which means the early shape of their defense is still being defined even before the season gets rolling.
For Lincoln Riley and the Trojans, the opportunity is obvious: make Oregon answer questions in coverage while USCs offense tries to get its own front settled enough to handle the Ducks defensive line. If the Trojans can win up front, they can force Oregon to show its hand in the back end, and the way those position battles shake out could wind up steering how aggressive Hampton can be with that secondary down the road. [Read more 🡒]
Caleb Williams Headlines A Loaded All-USC NFL Dream Team
USCs NFL footprint has become so deep that building a dream team out of former Trojans is less a novelty than a reminder of how often the program has fed Sundays. The piece leans into that history by mixing the schools long draft track record with the production of its current and recent pros, then sorting through the names that have actually mattered at the next level. From the skill positions to the line, there is no shortage of candidates, which is part of what makes the exercise feel more like an argument than a gimmick.
Caleb Williams sits at the center of it, and not just because of his pedigree. The discussion around him is tied to how he has handled the jump to the NFL and how his postseason work has added another layer to his profile, while the rest of the roster debate stretches across a loaded backfield and a receiver group that reflects USCs ability to keep producing playmakers. Even the offensive line conversation has enough current and former Trojans in it to make the final choices feel crowded, which is exactly the kind of problem USC would want to have. [Read more 🡒]
ESPN Just Gave Ronnie Lott A Rare Place In College Football History
Ronnie Lott has long been part of USCs defensive lore, and ESPNs college football writers have now put him in a rare historical lane by elevating him above every other player to wear No. 42. The former Trojan safety was a centerpiece of the 1978 national title team and helped USC win two Rose Bowls, building the kind of college rsum that still resonates whenever the programs all-time greats come up.
Lotts senior season only sharpened that legacy, as he finished by leading the country in interceptions and capped his USC career with a reputation for making game-changing plays. His college success was just the start of a career that carried into Canton-worthy territory with the San Francisco 49ers, but this latest nod is a reminder of how much of his legend was forged in cardinal and gold. [Read more 🡒]