USC is opening spring practice with Jayden Maiava as the presumptive leader on the quarterback depth chart, but freshman Husan Longstreet and Utah transfer Sam Huard will have an opportunity to compete for the role.
"Does Jayden come in a step ahead in experience and all that of the other guys in the room? Of course, he does," head coach Lincoln Riley said Monday, according to the Los Angeles Times' Ryan Kartje. "But the best guy is going to play, and that's to me No. 1, and that should always be the case."
Maiava replaced Miller Moss with three games left in the regular season in 2024 following USC's loss to Washington. The UNLV transfer led the Trojans to back-to-back wins over Nebraska and rival UCLA before passing for 295 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions against Texas A&M in a 35-31 Las Vegas Bowl win.
Moss transferred to Louisville in December. And while Maiava is the early front-runner to start under center in 2025, Riley said Longstreet is making a favorable impression after joining the program prior to last season's bowl game.
"He's way further ahead than most guys would be at this age. His ability to communicate and manage the group right now as a young guy is pretty impressive," Riley said.
Maiava lamented his turnover issues last campaign despite leading USC to a 3-1 record as a starter. However, Riley said the Hawaiian is "his own toughest critic."
The Trojans kick off their second season in the Big Ten on Aug. 30 against Missouri State.
