Sources: USC to start Maiava at QB over Moss

Pete Thamel Close Pete Thamel ESPN College Football Senior Author for ESPN. Insider for College Gameday.Paolo Uggetti Nov 5

, 2024, 09:53 AM ET USC is making a change at quarterback, replacing starter Miller

Moss with UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava, sources validated to ESPN.After the Trojans lost 4 of their previous 5 games and was up to 4-5 on the season, coach Lincoln Riley will opt to give the sophomore beginning reps when they host

Nebraska on Nov. 16. USC is presently on its second bye week of the season.Moss started the season by leading the Trojans to a signature victory over LSU in Las Vegas, but he has fallen back over the previous few games.Editor’s Picks 1 Related Playing behind a shaky offensive line, Moss has actually made vital errors of his own. In his previous five games, the junior has actually thrown seven interceptions. Versus Washington on Saturday, Moss threw 3 costly choices in a 26-21 loss.In 9 games as starter

, Moss has

tossed for 2,555 yards with 18 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.Maiava moved to USC this offseason after a strong freshman project at UNLV during which he tossed for 3,085 yards and 17 goals. He finished 63.5 percent of his passes and added 3 rushing touchdowns.Maiava is a more mobile option under center. In limited appearances this season, Maiava has actually showcased his capability

to leave the pocket and make plays on the run. He has actually made 8 conclusions for 66 lawns and ran the ball three times for 27 yards, consisting of a touchdown.After supporting Heisman Prize winner Caleb Williams for two seasons, Moss’ first start came throughout the

2023 Vacation Bowl, where he tossed for a bowl-record six touchdowns and staked his claim to be the starter in 2024. Though the quarterback competitors between Maiava and Moss extended into fall camp before the season, Riley was adamant throughout group practices that Moss was ahead.Despite four losses in the previous five games,

Riley had stayed outwardly unfaltering in his confidence in Moss as the starter. At one point ahead of USC’s match versus Rutgers 2 weeks ago, Riley said Moss was”100%” the starter going forward.USC beat Rutgers, however its loss at Washington puts it in threat of not securing a bowl berth. With three games remaining, the Trojans hope Maiava can provide a much-needed spark.USCfootball.com initially reported the news.