No. 14 USC opened the 2026 season with a 42-26 win over San José State on Saturday, with quarterback Jayden Maiava delivering a standout performance to lead the Trojans to their first victory of the season.
Maiava’s Game by the Numbers
- 25-of-29 passing
- 286 passing yards
- 2 passing touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 1 rushing touchdown
- 86.2% completion rate
- 3 total touchdowns
Maiava helped USC jump out to a 28-0 halftime lead, scoring the Trojans’ first touchdown himself on a 1-yard rushing touchdown. He then connected with Kayden Dixon-Wyatt for a 9-yard touchdown in the second quarter before finding Trent Mosley for a 14-yard touchdown in the third. The quarterback’s efficiency was a major factor in USC’s offensive success. The Trojans finished with 505 total yards, while Maiava accounted for 286 of those through the air and added a rushing score.
Bottom line: Maiava didn’t just manage the opener. He was efficient, protected the football and accounted for three USC touchdowns as the Trojans started the season 1-0.
