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**USC’s Maiava Holds Steady in QB Rankings Despite Stellar Debut, Competition Concerns Linger**
LOS ANGELES, CA – USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava remains at No. 15 in CBS Sports’ updated quarterback power rankings, despite a dominant performance in the team’s 73-13 victory over Missouri State. Maiava completed 15 of 18 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns, adding a rushing touchdown in under two quarters of play. His efficiency earned him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors.
However, the rankings panel cited the quality of competition as the reason for not elevating Maiava’s position. Other quarterbacks, like TCU’s Josh Hoover (now No. 1), Florida State’s Tommy Castellanos (No. 4), Auburn’s Jackson Arnold (No. 7), Utah’s Devon Dampier (No. 10), and Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson (low teens), saw their rankings rise after facing and performing well against tougher Power Five opponents.
While Maiava’s potential is evident, and his stats rival those of higher-ranked quarterbacks, he’ll likely need to showcase similar success against more formidable defenses to see a significant jump. USC’s upcoming games against Georgia Southern and Purdue are unlikely to provide the necessary challenge. Maiava’s opportunity to prove himself will come later in September during a demanding stretch of games against Michigan State, Illinois, Michigan, and Notre Dame.
First Piper 