USC football turned the volume up on the college football recruiting trail this offseason. Delivering the nation’s best recruiting class ahead of Fourth of July. But that only further amplifies the expectations for 2025 and head coach Lincoln Riley.
Riley sits on an intensifying seat. His last two Trojan teams have fielded underwhelming results. Meanwhile, Riley is placing the trust in Jayden Maiava for a full season after beating out Miller Moss at quarterback. The head coach needed to fix the defense too — and siphoned a longtime NFL assistant to help improve the unit.
Will all these elements lead into a long-awaited return to the national title picture in the Land of Troy? Here are some way-too-early bold predictions for USC.
Jayden Maiava will win over NFL teams, and leave USC early
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Maiava flashed potential in his late season run behind center. Proving he could adjust from UNLV to USC.
Now he gets a full season with Riley. Meaning he’s capable of heading to a territory past Riley QBs have seen. Maiava looks next to follow the footsteps of Baker Mayfield and Caleb Williams — as a first round talent.
Will this mean Maiava becomes the third first overall pick under Riley? He was given 33/1 odds to land No. 1 in 2026 — handing him the ninth-best odds back in April 2025.
Maiava’s powerful arm will win over teams. But he’s shown to extend plays in the fashion of Williams. He’ll need to sharpen his accuracy, as he forced his wide receivers to make difficult catches often. He must cut down on tight window attacks and get the ball out quicker. Plus cut down his turnovers.
Riley brings a big vision for Maiava. A breakout ’25 means an early exit for Maiava. Which then paves the way for highly-touted true freshman Husan Longstreet to take over.
USC will field nation’s best WR duo
Kirby Lee-Imagn…
Source link : https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/usc-football-way-too-early-bold-predictions-for-2025-season
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Publish date : 2025-07-02 22:47:00
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