Georgia Loses UNLV QB Transfer Jayden Maiava to USC Just One Day After Commitment

Former UNLV quarterback Jayden Maiava is transferring to USC, his father told ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren on Tuesday night. The news couldn’t be more welcomed for Lincoln Riley’s squad with the Trojans expected to need some major help at the position. 

And the decision is devastating to Georgia after Maiava’s father told ESPN his son was going to join the Bulldogs just a day earlier. 

USC is expecting to lose Caleb Williams this spring to the NFL draft, though he hasn’t announced his decision to opt out of his senior season. The 2022 Heisman-winner’s eventual departure was made worse when freshman Malachi Nelson entered the transfer portal and joined Boise State. Nelson was considered the top prospect in the class of 2023, making his decision all the more difficult for the program. 

UNLV quarterback Jayden Maiava (1) throws a pass during the second half against Kansas in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl at Chase Field.

Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

But thankfully, Riley was able to cushion the blow with his latest flip. As a redshirt freshman for the Rebels, Maiava threw for 3,085 yards and 17 touchdowns to 10 interceptions this past season. He also rushed for 277 yards and three scores on the ground. 

USC finished a disappointing 8–5 in 2023 and will look to rebound next year.