Full Breakdown
AP Player of the Week: Jayden Maiava Leads USC to Season-Opening Victory
8/31/2026, 10:18:12 PM
Performance Highlights and Comparative Stats
The Associated Press selected USC quarterback Jayden Maiava as its national Player of the Week for Week 0 of the 2026 season. In USC’s 42-26 win over San Jose State, Maiava completed 25 of 29 passes for 286 yards and two passing touchdowns, and added a rushing touchdown. His 9.8 yards per attempt in the game placed him just behind the 8.6-yard career-average mark he shares with former Trojans star Matt Leinart. Freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley contributed seven receptions for 118 yards in his collegiate debut, bolstering Maiava’s efficiency.
Other Notable Week-0 Performances
Runner-up Beau Pribula of Virginia posted a career-best 110 rushing yards, averaged 7.3 yards per carry, and completed 9 of 11 passes for 155 yards with two passing touchdowns in a 34-8 victory over North Carolina State. Pribula became the first quarterback to rush for 100 yards since Brennan Armstrong’s 2022 season opener. Additional stand-out performances included Memphis quarterback Marcus Stokes (15-of-26, 223 yards, two passing and two rushing touchdowns), Eastern Michigan quarterback Noah Kim (27-of-38, 279 yards, two passing touchdowns, one rushing), and Stanford running back Micah Ford (99 rushing yards, three touchdowns).
Implications for Early Season Rankings
Maiava’s multi-dimensional output and USC’s offensive production position the Trojans as early contenders in the Pac-12 race, while the statistical breadth displayed by other quarterbacks underscores a competitive landscape across the Football Bowl Subdivision. The AP’s recognition of Maiava highlights the impact of dual-threat quarterbacks in shaping Week 0 outcomes and may influence preseason poll considerations as teams assess depth and versatility.
Contextual Notes
The AP’s Player of the Week selections are based on votes from a panel that includes Aaron Beard, Pat Graham, Stephen Hawkins, Mark Long, John Marshall, Michael Marot, Steve Megargee, Eric Olson, Eddie Pells, and Dave Zelio. No direct quotations were provided in the source material.
