USC QB Jayden Maiava Makes Polynesian Player of the Year Award Watch List – A Rising Star in College Football

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

Jayden Maiava, a redshirt sophomore quarterback for USC, has been added to the Polynesian Player of the Year Award Watch List on November 17, 2024. This recognition comes after his successful starting debut for the Trojans in their 28-20 win over Nebraska on November 16.

In this game, Maiava completed 25 of 35 passes, achieving a completion rate of 71.4%. He threw for 259 yards, with three touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown. His first touchdown pass of the season was a 6-yard throw to wide receiver Zachariah Branch in the first quarter. Additionally, he connected with Kyron Hudson for a 12-yard touchdown and delivered a 48-yard touchdown pass to Duce Robinson. Maiava also scored a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

This performance tied Maiava’s career-best for touchdown passes in a game, matching performances from previous games in 2023 against New Mexico and Kansas. His four total touchdowns in this game set a new single-game career high. Maiava has now achieved both a passing and a rushing touchdown in three games: against Vanderbilt and Wyoming in 2023, as well as this recent match.

In week 12, Maiava’s three passing touchdowns ranked fourth among Power 4 quarterbacks and tied for first in the Big Ten. His 259 passing yards placed him fourth among Big Ten quarterbacks for the same week.

Maiava joins his teammate, 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 announced on December 3. The award winner will be revealed on December 17. The award presentation will take place during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week Celebration Dinner on January 18, 2025, with recognition during the Polynesian Bowl on January 17, 2025.