CHICAGO—USC quarterback Jayden Maiava was named to the 2026 Big Ten Football Preseason Honors list, today (July 28).
Maiava was one of 12 total players from the Conference to earn preseason recognition on the first morning of Big Ten Media Days in Chicago.
Maiava, in addition to, defensive tackles Jide Abasiri and Alex VanSumeren, alongside head coach Lincoln Riley, are representing the Trojans at Big Ten Media Day.
Maiava, a 2025 All-Big Ten Third Team quarterback led the nation with a 91.2 QBR and has 31 career starts. As USC’s starting quarterback, Maiava started in all 13 games for the Trojans in 2025. He completed 265-of-403 passes (65.8%) for 3,711 yards and 24 TDs with 10 INTs, plus he rushed for 157 yards on 54 carries (2.9 avg.) and 6 TDs. He also recorded 1 tackle and 1 forced fumble (one of two quarterbacks in the FBS to do so in 2025).
He was named to the 2025 All Big Ten Third Team, the 2025 Phil Steele All-Big Ten Third Team and the Pro Football Sports Network All-Big Ten Third Team. Maiava was a Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Finalist and was a Davey O’Brien Award Semifinalist. He was a two-time Davey O’Brien Great 8 recipient and a Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week honoree.
Maiava was recently named a nominee for the Allstate AFCA Goodworks Team for his commitment to community service and leadership beyond the gridiron.
The Trojans open the season on Aug. 29 against San José State at 12 p.m. PT in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The game will air on NBC.
2026 Big Ten Preseason Honors
WR Charlie Becker, IND
LB Rolijah Hardy, IND
DL Tyrique Tucker, IND
OL Kade Pieper, IOWA
DL Anthony Smith, MINN
QB Julian Sayin, OSU
WR Jeremiah Smith, OSU
QB Dante Moore, ORE
DB Koi Perich, ORE
QB Jayden Maiava, USC
WR KJ Duff, RU
RB Antwan Raymond, RU
