Los Angeles, CA — Southern California wasted little time showing why expectations are so high around the program.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava delivered an impressive opening-day performance, throwing for 286 yards and two touchdowns while adding another score on the ground, as No. 14 USC defeated San Jose State 42-26 on Saturday at the Coliseum.
The Trojans dominated for most of the afternoon, building a commanding 35-3 advantage through three quarters before San Jose State’s reserves mounted a late rally.
Maiava was particularly efficient, completing 25 of 29 passes as USC’s revamped offense consistently moved the football.
Mosley Makes Immediate Impact
One of the biggest highlights of USC’s opener was the debut of Trent Mosley, who quickly demonstrated why the Trojans were so excited about adding him to the roster.
The Orange County product finished with seven receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown, leading USC in receiving. He also received nine targets from Maiava and produced 52 yards after the catch.
His longest reception covered 33 yards.
Mosley wasn’t finished making an impact after his work on offense. He also ripped off a 41-yard punt return, displaying the speed and elusiveness that have made him one of the most intriguing newcomers on Riley’s roster.
“He kind of just did what he does in practice,” Riley said. “I don’t think anybody here is very surprised.”
The Trojans lost standout receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane to the NFL, creating questions about who would step into those roles. Based on Saturday’s performance, Mosley appears ready for the challenge.
USC Unveils Several New Playmakers
Mosley wasn’t the only newcomer to make an impression.
Kayden Dixon-Wyatt caught a touchdown pass in his USC debut, while Riley Wormley and Shahn Alston each recorded their first rushing touchdowns as Trojans.
King Miller, who emerged as a breakout performer in 2025, also found the end zone on the ground, helping USC take a 28-0 lead just before halftime.
Six of USC’s 10 players who caught a pass were making their Trojans debuts, providing Riley with plenty of reasons for optimism.
Maiava Sets the Tone
Maiava immediately established himself as the centerpiece of USC’s offense.
The quarterback opened the scoring with a rushing touchdown during the Trojans’ first possession and continued to make good decisions through the air.
His combination of efficiency and mobility was exactly what USC needed as it begins a season with legitimate College Football Playoff aspirations.
The Trojans have rebuilt their roster around Maiava, and Saturday provided an early indication of what Riley’s offense could look like when the competition gets tougher.
Defense Dominates Before Late Letdown
USC’s defense also played well for the majority of the afternoon under new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson.
The Trojans held San Jose State to only three points through three quarters while consistently controlling the Spartans’ offense.
Defensive end Luke Wafle, one of the nation’s most highly regarded recruits from last year’s class, was among the USC defenders who stood out.
However, the defensive performance lost some of its shine during the fourth quarter.
With USC’s starters largely out of the game, San Jose State quarterback Luke Weaver directed three touchdown drives against the Trojans’ backups, turning what had been a blowout into a more respectable final score.
Weaver, a Hawaii transfer, finished with 234 passing yards and threw fourth-quarter touchdown passes to Jerry McClure and Jordan Anderson. He also scored on a late rushing touchdown.
Riley acknowledged that the fourth-quarter performance wasn’t good enough.
“Fourth quarter, not up to our standards,” Riley said. “A bunch of guys got opportunities, and we had several that did not play the way that we anticipated.”
Still, the USC coach was pleased with the way his starters performed.
“Really dominated the game there through three quarters,” Riley said.
Spartans Find Encouragement
Despite the loss, San Jose State coach Ken Niumatalolo saw plenty of positives in his team’s fourth-quarter response.
The Spartans faced one of the nation’s top-ranked teams in their opener, but Weaver and the offense showed they could make plays when given opportunities.
Niumatalolo said USC would likely be the best team San Jose State faces all season and was encouraged by his team’s ability to move the ball late.
Injuries Remain a Concern
USC’s victory came without several players expected to play significant roles this season.
Among the notable absences were star defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart, along with projected starting receivers Tanook Hines and Terrell Anderson, a transfer from NC State.
The Trojans will hope those players can return quickly as the schedule becomes more demanding.
Williams Gets Fourth-Quarter Experience
USC also gave fans a glimpse of the future when freshman quarterback Jonas Williams took over in the fourth quarter.
Williams, viewed as a potential successor to Maiava next season, completed passes for 55 yards but also threw an interception.
For now, however, USC’s offense belongs to Maiava.
Looking Ahead
USC’s opening performance checked several important boxes: Maiava was efficient, the new receiving corps showed promise, the running game produced multiple touchdowns and Patterson’s defense controlled the game for three quarters.
The fourth-quarter defensive struggles provide something for the Trojans to clean up, but the overall performance was encouraging.
USC will return to action Friday, Sept. 4, against Fresno State, while San Jose State travels to face Eastern Michigan on the same night.
For a USC program with championship aspirations, Saturday was a strong first step.
