USC Faces Penn State With Maiava Draft Stock Rising

USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava led his No. 19 team against Penn State on October 10, 2026, at Beaver Stadium in a Big Ten matchup that tested USC's playoff hopes and highlighted Maiava's NFL draft evaluation.

According to sports.yahoo.com, USC entered the game with a 5-1 record after a 25-21 win over Washington, averaging 37.3 points and 467.8 total yards per game. The Trojans' passing attack was producing more than 300 yards per contest behind Maiava.

ESPN NFL Draft and fantasy football analyst Field Yates evaluated Maiava's throwing ability after tracking his development with USC.

"strike thrower" Yates described Maiava, Field Yates, ESPN NFL Draft and fantasy football analyst.

Yates highlighted Maiava's throwing mechanics and arm talent while discussing his potential as an NFL prospect.

"He just has the sense of delivering a beautiful throwing motion. His best throws on tape are as good as any," Yates said, Field Yates, ESPN NFL Draft and fantasy football analyst.

Yates compared one aspect of Maiava's game to former USC quarterback Sam Darnold, while noting differences between the two players. Darnold was a top three NFL Draft selection and won the Rose Bowl during his USC career.

"Now this is a lazy comparison because they both went to USC and wear No. 14, but Sam Darnold is one I've enjoyed seeing throw on platform. Jayden and Sam don't have a ton of similarities, but that's one of them. When they have time and space, their arm talent is really, really good." Yates said, Field Yates, ESPN NFL Draft and fantasy football analyst.

USC coach Lincoln Riley and Maiava faced pressure to improve the team's position after a loss to Oregon, while a victory over Penn State would secure bowl eligibility, according to sports.yahoo.com.

"USC, obviously the expectations are really high for them year in and year out after their humbling defeat earlier [against No. 13 Oregon]. This feels like a season bordering on recent years for them where it's good, but not good enough," Yates said, Field Yates, ESPN NFL Draft and fantasy football analyst.

Penn State entered the matchup at 3-2 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play after losses to Wisconsin and Northwestern. The Nittany Lions were led by first-year head coach Matt Campbell and quarterback Rocco Becht, according to sports.yahoo.com.

"Jayden is a good player. I think he goes in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft," Yates said, Field Yates, ESPN NFL Draft and fantasy football analyst.

Penn State had won the previous meeting with USC, a 33-30 overtime victory in 2024, while USC sought to remain in the Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff discussion.