08/29/26 05:21:00
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08/29 17:20 CDT Jayden Maiava, new playmakers lead No. 14 USC to 42-26 win over
San Jose State in season opener
Jayden Maiava, new playmakers lead No. 14 USC to 42-26 win over San Jose State
in season opener
By GREG BEACHAM
AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) --- Jayden Maiava passed for 286 yards and two touchdowns and
ran for another score, and No. 14 Southern California opened a season of high
expectations with a 42-26 victory over San Jose State on Saturday.
Trent Mosley caught seven passes for 118 yards and a touchdown in the Orange
County product's dynamic debut for the Trojans, who showcased several promising
newcomers in coach Lincoln Riley's offense. Kayden Dixon-Wyatt also caught a TD
pass in his debut, while Riley Wormley and Shahn Alston rushed for their first
TDs.
New USC defensive coordinator Gary Patterson's unit mostly looked sharp while
the Trojans built a 35-3 lead heading into the fourth quarter, but new San Jose
State quarterback Luke Weaver led three late touchdown drives against USC's
backup defenders to tighten up the final score considerably.
USC has College Football Playoff aspirations with a restocked roster around
Maiava, who went 25 for 29 as the Trojans won their opener at the Coliseum
despite being without several expected key contributors due to apparent
injuries. Star defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart and presumptive starting
receivers Tanook Hines and NC State transfer Terrell Anderson were the biggest
absences.
Hawaii transfer Weaver passed for 234 yards and threw fourth-quarter TD passes
to Jerry McClure and Jordan Anderson before rushing for a late score. The
Spartans' thoroughly overhauled roster will get a boost from its strong finish
to head coach Ken Niumatalolo's third-season opener.
Maiava began his third season as the Trojans' starting quarterback by rushing
for a score on the opening drive. Dixon-Wyatt caught a short scoring slant in
the second quarter, and 2025 breakout star King Miller rushed for a TD and a
28-0 lead right before halftime.
The takeaway
The Trojans lost All-American receiver Makai Lemon and counterpart Ja'Kobi Lane
to the NFL, but their possible replacements looked awfully promising. A few
defensive players also popped --- particularly defensive end Luke Wafle, the
top overall recruit in last year's class by some evaluators. Freshman
quarterback Jonas Williams, Maiava's possible successor next season, played the
fourth quarter and passed for 55 yards with an interception.
Up next
San Jose State visits Eastern Michigan on Friday, Sept. 4.
USC hosts Fresno State on Friday, Sept. 4.
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