Jayden Maiava

Jayden Maiava's Biography

American football quarterback, Jayden Ikaika Maiava, carries a legacy of memorable plays and triumphant touchdowns in the collegiate sports scene. Known for his powerful displays on the field, he is currently a committed teammate for the USC Trojans. However, his journey to this position is anchored in various high school and college football environs.

Born and raised in the United States, Maiava pursued his high school education across three institutions, including Liberty High School in Henderson, Nevada, Sierra Vista High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Kaimuki High School in Honolulu, Hawaii. Maiava’s football prowess was evident at a young age. His superior performance during his high school years, especially at Kaimuki in 2019, substantiates this fact as he impressively threw for 3,317 yards with an incredible score of 41 touchdowns.

Scouting reports described Maiava as a three-star recruit and, considering his performance, it is not surprising that multiple colleges noticed and coveted this upcoming star. As he had his pick of universities, Maiava decided on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). He chose the Rebels over other serious contenders, including Auburn, Louisville, and Tennessee.

Spending the initial year of his college life in 2022 on the sidelines, Maiava redshirted his first season with the UNLV Rebels. Despite not playing, this period was vital for his growth and development. He was brimming with anticipation to make his presence felt come 2023.

The 2023 season saw Maiava begin as a backup. However, an unforeseen injury to the team’s leading quarterback, Doug Brumfield, against Vanderbilt, provided Maiava with the opportunity to step up. He led the Rebels in a thrilling comeback, throwing for 261 yards and combining two touchdowns.

His first career start came the following week against UTEP; Maiava proved he was more than a backup as he commanded the Rebels to a 45–28 victory. His performance that season was nothing short of exceptional, throwing for 2,626 yards and making 14 touchdowns. Notably, his excellence was recognized when he was named Mountain West Freshman of the Year and landed a place in the all-conference second team.

Despite impressive stats and a growing reputation, there was speculation surrounding Maiava possibly transferring to another institution after the 2023 season. He initially quashed the rumors by declaring his commitment to UNLV for the following season. However, a surprise announcement on January 1, 2024, revealed that Maiava had decided to enter the transfer portal.

The announcement regarding Maiava’s transfer came on January 8, 2024, when he revealed plans to join the University of Georgia and don the Bulldogs’ jersey. Yet, in a surprising twist, Maiava changed his commitment the next day, January 9, 2024, deciding instead to join the University of Southern California. While the USC Trojans were jubilant over gaining a formidable player, the sudden shift in alliances left the football fraternity a bit surprised.

Upon entering the USC, Maiava was named backup to Miller Moss for the 2024 season. His journey across three high schools to UNLV and finally landing at USC showcases his adaptability and passion for the sport. As Maiava comfortably settles into the Trojan family, the world watches and waits in anticipation of the ripples he’s expected to create on the collegiate football scene.