Jayden Maiava will return for USC in 2026 after leading the Big Ten in passing yards.

Southern California quarterback Jayden Maiava has announced he will return for the 2026 season after leading the Big Ten with 3,431 passing yards in 2025, completing 66.2% of his passes for 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Hawaii native, who transferred from UNLV, has thrown for 4,632 yards and 34 touchdowns over two seasons with USC, which finished 9-3 and will face TCU in the Dec. 30 Alamo Bowl. The Trojans will lose top receivers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane to the NFL draft but will retain key players including Tanook Hines, Zacharyus Williams, and running back Waymond Jordan.