Being thrown into the fold as the starter beyond the midway point of the year is a difficult position for anyone to achieve. The current USC staff saw enough from Jayden Maiava last year and throughout the spring to have a great deal of confidence in the junior heading into the 2025 season.
Coach Luke Huard, as shared by the Los Angeles Times' Ryan Kartje on X, spoke with reporters about the nature in which Maiava has improved. Rather than speaking about the mechanics or some form of x's and o's, coach Huard mentioned how Maiava is looking improved in a less tangible aspect.