Jayden Maiava Showing Off His Leadership at Spring Practice

USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava seemed to spend his spring break wisely.

Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) warms up prior to the game against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava spoke to the media after Tuesday's spring practice, and he revealed some of his maturity and leadership when talking about his performance so far. With a young wide receivers corps and an offensive line that is dealing with some injuries, the continuity of Maiava in the offense will be key for any USC success in the upcoming season.

Maiava revealed how he spent his spring break and his optimism about the Trojans offensive line on Tuesday.

How Jayden Maiava Spent Spring Break:

Dec 30, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first half during the Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

"Watched some film, put a little two-minute drive on. Watched a little NFL quarterbacks," Maiava said.

"I watched a lot of Matthew Stafford. Sam Darnold was on there too, Joe Burrow. All them guys, just trying to learn from them. They're the best to do it, so," he continued.

"Everything, honestly. I was open to just learning anything that I could add to my toolbox, whatever that could put me in the best possible situation to go out there and execute plays," said Maiava.

On returning to practice:

"It felt great, honestly. Every day, I found myself bored, didn't know what to do after workouts. Watched some film, but it was good though. Time to get away, reset a little bit, gave some of the younger guys time to rejuvenate and get their legs back underneath them. We started off, really good start coming off that break, so fired up goin' ahead," he said.

"Starting fast, executing plays, and having that next play mentality. Obviously we're gonna mess up, there's gonna be mistakes. It comes with the game, but at the same time just having that next play mentality and being able to flush it all out. You know, play ball at the end of the day," said Maiava.

On how to start fast:

"Honestly, you know, when we first come out here. Just checking your intent, checking your energy level. Keeping yourself accountable before you can keep others accountable around you, so just coming on the field with the right mindset 'cause you got the players that came before us, a lot of respect to them. They paved the way for what this program could be and what it is going to be, so just that, honestly."

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley (right) talks with quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) in the second half against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

On the offensive line depth:

"I'm super fired up about those guys," said the USC quarterback. "They've been stacking a lot of great days. Can't wait for game days, but we take it one day at a time, one practice at a time. I'm happy for them, they're getting a lot of really good reps out there. Coach Riley, this staff just do such a great job during our team periods, giving everybody reps and the opportunity to go out there and develop and learn."

On having an experienced offensive line:

"It's really important. It starts up front. I can't get the ball unless those five guys are on it and locked into their assignments which they have been all spring. Even the pre-walk throughs before spring, so they just been doing such a good job stacking these days leading up to this moment. So, super happy for them. I feel comfortable back there, they're doing such a great job up front. Coach (Zach) Hanson, the O-line, coach Zach Banner just getting on these guys' butts. Just being able to keep their head forward and keep it on right," said Maiava.

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Helmets at the line of scrimmage as Southern California Trojans offensive lineman J'Onre Reed (50) snaps the ball against the UCLA Bruins in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

On working with new centers:

"Regardless of if he's been getting plays or not, it feels like (Killian O'Connor's) out there getting plays, 'cause he's just on our butts, even me as well. I come off to the sideline, he's like, 'Oh you've got to tell us what we need to do.' He's always looking to get better, so that's super fired up about him. I'm happy about that guy, so he just does such a great job getting the other guys that are in there the coaching points that maybe he experienced that they could learn from and apply that to their memory bank and hopefully down the road," said Maiava.

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