While Jayden Maiava is the heavy favorite for QB1 duties, prized freshman Husan Longstreet showed his potential early. This puts the renown QB developer Riley in a relatively tough spot. Maiava handled the reins toward the end of 2024 and flashed his potential.
Lincoln Riley Explains How He'll Navigate Through Potential USC QB Battle originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley walks into a brewing quarterback battle. While Jayden Maiava is the heavy favorite for QB1 duties, prized freshman Husan Longstreet showed his potential early.
The 2025 commit put his arm and composure on display during spring practices. He also impressed USC by showcasing his work ethic -- by showing up early to workouts.
This puts the renown QB developer Riley in a relatively tough spot. Maiava handled the reins toward the end of 2024 and flashed his potential. Including the Las Vegas Bowl win. But Longstreet is fueling the future in the Land of Troy.
Both QBs rose as a major topic at Big Ten media days Thursday. Riley addressed the signal-caller room with Colin Cowherd. But inquiring minds want to know, how will Riley navigate through this potentially heated battle behind center?
"Well it's first world problems, right? Having two guys you really believe in. And multiple guys you believe in the QB room is a great thing," Riley began. "It's hard to do especially in this day and age."
He still loved how Maiava grew as the end of the season progressed.
"He went 3-1 against really quality teams and four quality defenses. He did outstanding work in those games. And he's grown and progressed on this football team."
But he praised Sam Huard too, who comes as a college football transfer portal addition and past five-star talent. Riley has a deep room, he acknowledged.
"I think the room is as deep as we had it at USC," Riley said.
But Riley concluded with how he'll navigate this scenario.
"From then on, it's competition. It's what the best programs are based on. There's got to be competition in that room. And we always want and always have had that. I think that's the reason why our quarterback rooms have been successful," Riley said.
Sounds like this QB battle is far from over. Even with Maiava's preseason hype. Each week Riley expects each QB to press the other.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
