Jayden Maiava’s 286-yard, two-touchdown passing and rushing score spark No. 14 USC to 42-26 season-opening win over San Jose State

Southern California, ranked No. 14, began its season with a points-and-playmaking display, beating San Jose State 42-26 in the opening game. The most consistent driver of USC’s offense was quarterback Jayden Maiava, whose production helped the Trojans build momentum early and keep it moving through the game.

Maiava finished with 286 passing yards and threw two touchdowns, according to the game report. He also added a rushing score, extending USC’s offensive reach beyond the passing game and reinforcing his role as a complementary threat at the quarterback position.

The final score reflected both the promise USC showed in the opener and the areas where the Trojans could still tighten. Scoring 42 points in a season opener is a clear statement, but allowing 26 also points to defensive questions USC will need to address as the schedule becomes more demanding.

For San Jose State, the loss still offered evidence that the Spartans were able to keep their footing offensively enough to generate meaningful scoring. However, USC’s ability to combine passing production from Maiava with a run threat at key moments helped the Trojans separate when they chose to push the tempo.

The early-season takeaway for USC is straightforward: the offense can produce at a high level when Maiava is distributing effectively and when he can convert broken-down plays into points on the ground. Whether that balance holds as opponents adjust will be the central story line to watch over the next few weeks.

As USC moves beyond its first game, the focus shifts to repeatability. Maiava’s stat line and two-touchdown output provide a benchmark for what USC wants from its offense, but the 42-26 margin also suggests the Trojans will need more complete games from both sides to match preseason expectations against stronger competition.