USC Trojans Will Face Seven Of College Football’s Top Quarterbacks

Last season, USC struggled in the secondary for the first half of the season, particularly at cornerback. The defensive line was able to mask some of the problems because they were getting to the quarterback at a high rate, even with just a four-man rush.

And then it flipped the second of the season. The cornerback play got better as the season progressed, but they weren’t able to affect the quarterback the same way. The two have to be connected next season as the Trojans face several high-profile quarterbacks on their schedule.

Dante Moore, Oregon, Sept. 26

USC Trojans College Football Schedule Dante Moore Julian Sayin Demond Williams Josh Hoover UCLA Big Ten Ohio State Oregon — Nov 8, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) runs off the field after the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Calm and collected would be the best way to describe Dante Moore. The Oregon quarterback was a projected top two pick in the draft but elected to return to school for another season.

He’s already a quick processor in the pocket. Now, Moore has a full season of high-end football under his belt as starter. Moore is a natural thrower of the football with precise ball placement. He can be methodical down the field and then hit a big play over the top. The former five-star recruit has a ton of arm talent.

Moore isn’t necessarily a dynamic runner, but he can create second reaction throwing opportunities. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Moore is probably the best quarterback the Trojans will see in the fall.

Julian Sayin, Ohio State, Oct. 31

The quarterback that is most likely to challenge for that notion is Julian Sayin. The former five-star recruit is surgical. He completed 78.9 percent of his throws, setting a new NCAA record for the highest single-season completion percentage.

Sayin excels in the quick game throws with anticipation and touch. He doesn’t have the strongest arm but does throw a nice deep ball. And playing at Ohio State, Sayin will always be throwing to star receivers, most notably Jeremiah Smith.

Sayin enters next season with something to prove after a rough finish in games against Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game and Miami in the College Football Playoff Semifinals.

Demond Williams, Washington, Oct. 3

After some transfer portal controversy, quarterback Demond Williams returns to Washington for another season.

The electrifying dual-threat quarterback is an unbelievable talent. He is elusive as a runner, with the ability to create big plays at any given moment.

Williams has a live arm and can operate in the pocket. Last season, he completed 69.5 percent of his throws, which considering the level of athlete he is at the position, is very impressive. Williams accounted for over 3,600 yards of offense and accounted for 31 total touchdowns.

Josh Hoover, Indiana, Nov. 14

Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza is headed off to the NFL and in comes TCU transfer Josh Hoover.

The Trojans would have saw Hoover in the Alamo Bowl, but he entered the portal beforehand. Instead, they will see him in Bloomington in mid-November. A three-year starter for the Horned Frogs, Hoover has played a ton of football. The rising senior has thrown for nearly 10,000 yards and 71 touchdowns.

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He’s a decisive thrower that processes information quickly. Hoover plays in rhythm, delivering the ball on time and on target. He played in an RPO system at TCU, so his transition to Indiana should be seamless.

Malik Washington, Maryland, Nov. 21

Malik Washington started all 12 games during his true freshman season. The 6-foot-5, 231-pound Washington can get it done through the air and with his legs. He is one of two Big Ten true freshmen since 1996 with over 2,500 passing yards and 300 rushing yards.

Washington needs to become a more accurate passer but last season is a great step in the right direction.

Rocco Becht, Penn State, Oct. 10

Rocco Becht, a three-year starter, won 26 games at Iowa State under Matt Campbell. The former Cyclones coach took the job at Penn State this offseason and his quarterback decided to join him.

Becht has played a ton of football at the collegiate level, throwing for nearly 10,000 yards. He’s also a threat to use his legs. Becht and Campbell will carry the RPO system to Happy Valley. And after a down season in 2025, Becht looks to bounce back in a new environment.

Nico Iamaleava, UCLA, Nov. 28

Nico Iamaleava had an inconsistent first season at UCLA. But the former five-star recruit is now entering his third season as a starter at the collegiate level. He’s flashed the arm talent that made him a coveted recruit in the 2023 cycle. Last season, he was more effective using his legs than, especially in the Bruins upset win over Penn State.

Iamaleava will have a more competent coach in his second season Westwood with Bob Chesney coming over from James Madison. If there was any year it comes together for the Southern California native it would be in 2026.