Lincoln Riley Prepares for High-Stakes USC QB Battle

The USC Trojans are gearing up for a competitive spring practice as they prepare for a quarterback battle between redshirt junior Jayden Maiava and five-star freshman Husan Longstreet, the latter being hailed as the crown jewel of the 2025 recruiting class. Head coach Lincoln Riley emphasized the importance of competition in the quarterback room, acknowledging Maiava's experience while also highlighting Longstreet's impressive skills as a dual-threat quarterback. Although Maiava has shown flashes of brilliance, including a strong performance in the Las Vegas Bowl, his inconsistency has raised questions about his starting role. Longstreet, despite being a true freshman, is already demonstrating potential that could see him challenge for the starting position as he learns under Riley's guidance. Meanwhile, Riley is facing scrutiny over the Trojans' declining performance in recent seasons, leading to discussions about his future at the program. As USC continues to navigate these challenges, the quarterback competition will be pivotal in determining the team's trajectory moving forward.