Jayden Maiava Leads No. 14 USC Past San Jose State 42-26/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Jayden Maiava threw for 286 yards and two touchdowns and added a rushing score as No. 14 USC defeated San Jose State 42-26. Trent Mosley led an impressive group of newcomers with seven catches for 118 yards and a touchdown. The Trojans built a 35-3 lead before San Jose State scored three fourth-quarter touchdowns against USC’s reserves.
Quick Look
- No. 14 USC opened its season with a 42-26 home victory.
- Jayden Maiava completed 25 of 29 passes for 286 yards.
- Maiava accounted for three touchdowns, including one rushing score.
- Trent Mosley caught seven passes for 118 yards and a touchdown.
- Kayden Dixon-Wyatt also caught a touchdown in his USC debut.
- Riley Wormley and Shahn Alston scored their first rushing touchdowns.
- San Jose State quarterback Luke Weaver passed for 234 yards.
- USC hosts Fresno State on Sept. 4.
- San Jose State visits Eastern Michigan the same day.
Deep Look
Maiava delivers efficient opening performance
Jayden Maiava accounted for three touchdowns as No. 14 Southern California began its season with a 42-26 victory over San Jose State on Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Maiava completed 25 of 29 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns, adding another score on the ground.
The performance provided an encouraging start for a USC team entering the season with College Football Playoff ambitions and a replenished roster surrounding its experienced quarterback.
New receivers make immediate impact
Trent Mosley emerged as a leading offensive threat in his Trojans debut, catching seven passes for 118 yards and a touchdown.
The Orange County product highlighted a group of newcomers who contributed immediately to coach Lincoln Riley’s offense.
Kayden Dixon-Wyatt also caught a touchdown pass in his first USC appearance. Running backs Riley Wormley and Shahn Alston scored their first rushing touchdowns.
Their contributions were particularly important after USC lost All-American receiver Makai Lemon and fellow receiver Ja’Kobi Lane to the NFL.
Trojans establish commanding early lead
Beginning his third season as USC’s starting quarterback, Maiava scored on a run during the opening possession.
Dixon-Wyatt caught a short touchdown pass on a slant route in the second quarter. Running back King Miller, who broke out during the 2025 season, added a rushing touchdown shortly before halftime to give USC a 28-0 advantage.
The Trojans extended their lead to 35-3 entering the fourth quarter.
Patterson’s defense controls most of the game
USC’s defense largely impressed in its first game under new coordinator Gary Patterson.
The Trojans limited San Jose State’s offense through three quarters before the Spartans found success against USC’s backup defenders.
Defensive end Luke Waffles was among the young players who stood out. Some recruiting evaluators ranked him as the top overall prospect in last year’s class.
USC played without several expected contributors because of apparent injuries, including defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart and receivers Tanook Hines and Terrell Anderson, an NC State transfer.
Weaver leads late San Jose State rally
San Jose State quarterback Luke Weaver helped make the final margin more competitive with three fourth-quarter touchdown drives.
The Hawaii transfer finished with 234 passing yards. He threw touchdown passes to Jerry McClure and Jordan Anderson before scoring on a late run.
The strong finish offered encouragement for coach Ken Niumatalolowhose extensively rebuilt Spartans roster opened his third season with the program.
Freshman quarterback gains experience
USC freshman quarterback Jonas Williams played during the fourth quarter, passing for 55 yards and throwing an interception.
Williams is a potential successor to Maiava next season. His appearance gave the Trojans an early opportunity to evaluate their quarterback depth.
Both teams return to action Friday
USC remains home to face Fresno State on Friday, Sept. 4.
San Jose State travels to Eastern Michigan that day as the Spartans seek their first victory of the season.
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