Instead of declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, quarterback Jayden Maiava decided to return for another season at USC. The senior quarterback has one season left with the Trojans to increase his draft stock and lead USC to the College Football Playoffs. "I think just being able to be a product of any environment," Maiava said to reporters at Big Ten Media Days. Maiava told reporters he has had the opportunity to meet former Trojans quarterbacks like Caleb Williams, Sam Darnold and Matt Leinart. "The cool thing about USC is a lot of different quarterbacks; they come back and visit quite often," Maiava said.