Paul Finebaum suggests Jayden Maiava helps Lincoln Riley stabilize USC program

USC head coach Lincoln Riley enters the 2026 college football season facing increased pressure following a 37-18 tenure without a College Football Playoff appearance. Analyst Paul Finebaum indicated on his program that quarterback Jayden Maiava could be the factor that cools Riley's hot seat. Maiava, a transfer from UNLV, is viewed as a significant asset for his ability to execute in critical situations. While Riley has a history of developing NFL quarterbacks including Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Caleb Williams, his current squad must navigate a challenging Big Ten schedule against programs such as Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana. Whether USC can improve its defensive performance remains a central question for the team. The success of the season likely hinges on whether Maiava maintains his current development trajectory to guide the Trojans to a postseason berth.

• 12:06 AMYahoo Sports — Paul Finebaum explains how USC head coach Lincoln Riley’s hot seat can cool down