### USC to Start Sophomore Jayden Maiava at Quarterback Against Nebraska

USC is shaking things up at quarterback as its inaugural season in the Big Ten Conference wanes. Sophomore Jayden Maiava is set to make his first start for the Trojans on November 16, when they take on Nebraska. This decision demotes Miller Moss to a backup role after an inconsistent performance across nine starts this season, according to sources familiar with the decision.

Moss began the season on a high note, steering USC to a victory over Louisiana State in Las Vegas. However, his form has notably dipped, marred by key mistakes and crucial interceptions, particularly as the team lost four out of its last five games by narrow margins. With three games left in the season and bowl eligibility within reach, USC is betting on Maiava's dual-threat abilities to revive an offense that has underperformed when it mattered most.

Coach Lincoln Riley had previously dismissed the idea of giving Maiava reps despite Moss' struggles. Moss, a redshirt junior, had been a backup to Caleb Williams for two years before seizing his opportunity last December at the Holiday Bowl, throwing for six touchdowns and cementing himself as the presumed starter for the next season. He delivered an impressive performance against LSU, throwing for 378 yards and completing 75% of his passes. Despite these early successes, Moss has struggled in the Big Ten, turning over the ball during key moments and contributing to USC's slide from conference contention.

Maiava’s journey to becoming USC's starting quarterback has been unconventional. Unlike Moss, who was groomed as a quarterback from a young age, Maiava bounced between three high schools in two states and only started working with a private quarterback coach last summer. This coach, Ryan Porter, who had previously trained Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, believed Maiava would eventually thrive as USC’s quarterback.

"He's gonna be a good one," Porter had predicted in August. Now, Maiava is being thrust into the spotlight earlier than anticipated, as the Trojans search for a spark to halt their downward spiral. While he has seen limited action this season, he is no stranger to leading a college offense, having started 14 games for Nevada Las Vegas last year before transferring to USC.

Although the competition between Moss and Maiava appeared decisive early on, it proved to be a close contest through fall camp. Riley and the team have recognized Maiava’s significant development, and now, with their season on the line, USC will see if the sophomore can deliver and potentially turn their fortunes around.