America is a great unfinished experiment. Its biggest collegiate sport is, too.
NIL has changed the game and revolutionized the transfer portal. In creating a new rank of professionals, college football has become a business for the players as much as the coaches breaking the banks before burning bridges on the way to a new school.
Of course, this has downstream effects for the NFL Draft. On Tuesday, USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava became the newest quarterback to stay in school, "re-signing" with Lincoln Riley's program instead of throwing his hat in the early-round ring.
Jayden Maiava announces NFL Draft decision
Maiava's case is a complicated one. His stock approached Round 1, emerging as an option for mid-to-late first-round teams in search of a franchise quarterback. A top-50 selection felt likely, but Day 2 passers are an endangered species, perhaps lowering the perceived floor of his draft stock.
Still, Maiava has done just about everything in his power to propel his NFL prospects. He was the most productive passer in college football by expected points added (via Game On Paper). He also led the Big Ten in yards (3,431) with a 66.2% completion percentage and nearly three times as many touchdowns as interceptions.
That isn't a surprise for a Riley offense, nor is it the truest projection of talent. But the production remained remarkable and helped showcase Maiava's better traits.
Maiava is a good decision maker and an adequate processor within structure. There's meat left on the bone in this regard, but he reacts to stimulus well, even in an offense that has some skeptics as it relates to transitioning to the next level.
MORE: Jayden Maiava 2026 NFL Draft scouting report studies college football's most productive passer
Out of structure, Maiava seems even more comfortable. It's not the alien-level trait that separates Caleb Williams from his peers, but Maiava's capacity for creation is incredible, encompassing quick-twitch athleticism, solid instincts, and a willingness to get creative with his arm angles under duress.
Still, Maiava wasn't a lock for Round 1 because of non-elite tools and inconsistencies in the pocket. He's far from a model for perfect mechanics, impacting his velocity and -- at times -- accuracy. The transition to a more pro-style offense could take some time, too.
More game experience could do him well. However, there's a case to be made to strike the iron while it's hot. From an advanced statistics standpoint, Maiava will almost certainly have a lesser season next year. Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane leaving only add to USC's difficulties. Replicating his 2025 season isn't a guarantee, and without special tools and measurables to elevate his profile, he still has a wide range of outcomes.
In any case, the 2027 NFL Draft just got stronger, and teams hoping for a less-expensive option under center in April may have to pivot. At USC, he'll have the coaching staff and supporting cast to have success again in 2025. Making good on continuity could push him up the board in a year's time.
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