USC’s expansive new practice facility showcases eight variations of college football’s most prestigious awards, prominently displayed in the lobby.
As you stroll through the upper hallways, a collection of photos captures the Trojan winners celebrating their big nights in New York. One notable image features Caleb Williams in a stylish plaid Gucci suit, striking one of the game’s iconic poses.
Even someone as celebrated as he is wouldn’t mind welcoming another trophy to the collection.
So, could this be the moment for Jaden Maiava to step into the spotlight and claim the Heisman Trophy?
This is a preseason narrative, but there’s a lot of excitement surrounding him. He’s got great talent supporting him. This year marks his third with the program, and he’s stepping into his second as a full-time starter, having shown significant improvement. It’s hard not to feel the buzz, but, honestly, it’s a risk.
The odds, uh, aren’t necessarily in his favor. There are notable concerns, especially regarding how accurate he is with his long and intermediate throws when moving. Plus, as a runner, he doesn’t quite measure up to UCLA’s Nico Iamareaba.
On the bright side, he’ll be working alongside a revamped yet promising receiving group, an experienced offensive line, and a dynamic tandem of running backs: Waymond Jordan and King Miller. It’s also worth mentioning the arrival of Gary Patterson, the new defensive coordinator, who hopes to strengthen the team’s weaknesses.
Coach Lincoln Riley thinks Maiava can make considerable progress after throwing for 3,711 yards and 24 touchdowns last season, but he believes that’s just not going to be enough.
Maiava’s quest for the Heisman isn’t just about numbers, though. First and foremost, he needs his team to participate in the College Football Playoff, which USC has failed to do under three different coaches since its introduction in 2014. Riley has played in the CFP twice while at Oklahoma but has yet to make a return in four seasons with the Trojans.
Yes, Williams took home the Heisman in 2022 even though the Trojans missed the CFP, heading instead to the Cotton Bowl. But that was when only a limited number of teams were involved.
Securing a spot in this season’s 12-team CFP is critical for Maiava, as he aims to join the ranks of Heisman-winning USC quarterbacks like Williams, Carson Palmer, and Matt Leinart.
Is it possible for USC to reach that goal? The outlook isn’t overwhelmingly positive right now. They kick off the season ranked 14th in the AFCA Coaches Poll, but many experts have them outside of the mock playoff picture.
Even with Notre Dame’s temporary schedule change, doubts linger, especially given one of the toughest slates in college football.
They’ll face formidable opponents like Oregon, Penn State, Ohio State, and Indiana, plus Washington State, whose coach Jed Fisch seems to have a knack for troubling the Trojans. And let’s not forget about UCLA, coached by the determined Bob Chesney.
For the Trojans, the math is simple: they can’t afford to drop more than two games to have a shot at the CFP. This means they’ll need to handle a series of challenging late-season matchups, including Ohio State at home on October 31 and Indiana away on November 14.
Riley also has a track record of unexpected losses—looking back at Illinois last season, or Maryland in 2024, and UCLA in 2023. Hopefully, history won’t repeat in 2026. If it does, not only might Maiava miss out on the Heisman, but there could also be consequences for Riley.
What’s promising for Maiava is the potential to stand out against other Heisman contenders in direct competition. His challengers include quarterbacks like Dante Moore from Oregon and Julian Sane from Ohio State, along with wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Indiana could very well introduce its own candidate, potentially quarterback Josh Hoover, given Curt Cignetti’s successful run.
Ultimately, there will likely be key moments that define the season. When the game’s on the line, it’ll be crucial for Maiava to perform and secure victory, further solidifying his legacy at USC.
When Williams won the Heisman four years back, he candidly expressed jealousy towards the other finalists. He remarked, “I may be here today, but you guys have the chance to go to the College Football Playoff. I’m not sure you can take home the trophy, though.”
Maiava’s path to the Heisman may hinge on whether he can lead his team to that coveted CFP opportunity.
Achieving such a milestone would not only benefit Maiava’s individual pursuits but might also see another trophy proudly displayed in the lobby.
