USC is making a change at quarterback, replacing starter Miller Moss with UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava, sources confirmed to ESPN.
After losing four out of their last five games and falling to 4-5 on the season, head coach Lincoln Riley will opt to give the sophomore starting reps when they host Nebraska in two weeks. USC is currently on their second bye week of the season.
Moss began the season by leading the Trojans to a signature victory over LSU in Las Vegas, but he has regressed over the last few games.
Despite playing behind a shaky offensive line, Moss has made crucial mistakes on his own — in his last five games, the junior has thrown for seven interceptions. Against Washington Saturday, Moss threw three costly picks in a 26-21 loss.
In nine games as starter, Moss has thrown for 2,555 yards, 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Maiava transferred to USC this offseason after a strong freshman campaign at UNLV during which he threw for 3,085 yards and 17 touchdowns. He completed 63.5 percent of his passes and added three rushing touchdowns as well.
Compared to Moss, Maiava has shown to be the more mobile option under center. In limited appearances this season, Maiava has showcased his ability to escape the pocket and make plays on the run. He’s made eight completions for 66 yards and ran the ball three times for 27 yards, including a touchdown.
After backing up Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams for two seasons, Moss’s first start came during the 2023 Holiday Bowl, where he threw for a bowl-record six touchdowns and staked his claim to be the starter in 2024.
Though the quarterback competition between Maiava and Moss extended into fall camp before the season, Riley was adamant throughout team practices that Moss was ahead.
Despite four losses in the last five games, Riley has remained outwardly steadfast in his confidence in Moss as the starter. At one point ahead of the matchup against Rutgers two weeks ago, Riley said Moss was “100%” the starter going forward.
But even though they were able to beat Rutgers, the loss at Washington has put USC in danger of not securing a bowl berth with three games remaining and in need of a spark they hope will come from Maiava.
USCfootball.com first reported the news.
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