USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava is entering his third season with the Trojans. Maiava looks poised to have a big season.

ESPN tiered college quarterbacks by their 2027 NFL Draft stock. Where does Maiava fall?

Jayden Maiava in Third Round Tier

ESPN’s Jordan Reid slates Maiava in the tier of third round college quarterbacks with Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer and LSU Tigers quarterback Sam Leavitt. 

“Maiava is a pocket passer who played well last season,” Reid said. “He thrives when pushing the ball down the field, leading the FBS with 37 completion on passes of 20 or more air yards. Maiava has a tendency to compound mistakes, which he’ll have to fix if he wants to move up the board.”

ESPN has four college quarterbacks in the first round tier and then four more in the second round tier above Maiava. 

First round: 

CJ Carr, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns
Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State Cowboys
Dante Moore, Oregon Ducks 

Second round: 

Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss Rebels
Darian Mensah, Miami Hurricanes
Julian Sayin, Ohio State Buckeyes
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Gamecocks 

In 2025, Maiava started all 13 games for the Trojans, helping lead them to a 9-3 regular season capped off with an overtime loss in the Alamo Bowl to the TCU Horned Frogs. For the year, Maiava ended up throwing for 3,711 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He was named Third-team All-Big Ten. 

ESPN may slate Maiava as a third round quarterback, but some have him even higher. NFL Mock Draft Database projects Maiava as a second round pick in 2027 NFL Draft. 

Maiava started his collegiate career with the UNLV Rebels in 2022. After redshirting in his first year there, Maiava saw action in 2023. In 14 games for the Rebels in 2023 as a redshirt freshman, Maiava threw for 3,085 yards with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. That offseason, he entered the portal and transferred to the USC Trojans. 

In Maiava’s first year at USC in 2024, he was not the starting quarterback right away. It took until mid-November for him to get the starting job. In his limited action on the field this season, Maiava threw for 1,201 yards with 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. He entered 2025 as USC’s starting quarterback and hasn’t looked back. 

He could have opted to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, but decided it was best to return to USC for another season. 

Heisman Trophy Dark Horse?

USC coach Lincoln Riley has a good track record of getting the most out of his quarterbacks. This has resulted in three different quarterbacks on Riley-coaches teams winning the Heisman Trophy since 2017: Baker Mayfield in 2017, Kyler Murray in 2018, and Caleb Williams in 2022. Could Maiava become the fourth?

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Maiava is tied for the 11th best 2026 Heisman Trophy odds with Oklahoma’s John Matter at +2500. 

Maiava will have to build chemistry with a new look USC wide receivers room, but another year in the Riley offense makes him a prime dark horse Heisman candidate.  

The current Heisman favorite is Notre Dame’s CJ Carr at +700.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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