USC Quarterback Jayden Maiava Named to Polynesian Player of the Year Award Watch List

LOS ANGELES--USC redshirt sophomore quarterback Jayden Maiava has been added to the Polynesian Player of the Year Award Watch List, today (Nov.17) after his Trojan starting debut in USC's 28-20 victory over Nebraska on Saturday (Nov. 16).

He went 25-for-35 (.714) for 259 yards with 3 TD passes and 1 TD run in his first career start as a Trojan.

Maiava's 6-yard TD toss to wide receiver Zachariah Branch in the first quarter was his first passing TD of the season (he entered the game with one rushing TD). He also had TD throws of 12 yards to wide receiver Kyron Hudson and 48 yards to wide receiver Duce Robinson. Maiava added a 2-yard TD run of his own in the fourth quarter. His 3 TD passes tied a career-best (he did this twice in 2023 against New Mexico and Kansas) and the 4 total TDs are a single-game career-best. This is Maiava's third-career game with a passing TD and a rushing TD (Vanderbilt and Wyoming in 2023).

Maiava's 3 passing TDs ranked fourth among Power 4 quarterbacks in week 12 and tied for first in the Big Ten. His 259 passing yards were fourth among Big Ten quarterbacks in week 12.

Maiava joins USC wide receiver Makai Lemon and linebacker Mason Cobb on the watch list.

Five finalists for the 2024 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be unveiled on Dec. 3 and the winner will be announced on Dec. 17. The presentation of the award will be held during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week Celebration Dinner (Jan. 18, 2025), and they will also be recognized during the Polynesian Bowl (Jan. 17, 2025).

Players Mentioned

Zachariah Branch

Mason Cobb

Kyron Hudson

Makai Lemon

Jayden Maiava

Duce Robinson