Aug. 24, 2026, 4:03 a.m. PT
It is widely accepted that quarterback is the most important position on the football field. Because of this, quarterbacks are generally expected to step up and establish themselves as leaders on their respective teams. This offseason, USC quarterback Jayden Maiava has seemingly taken on a more vocal leadership role for the Trojans. Recently, I spoke to offensive lineman Tobias Raymond about the leadership of Maiava.
Raymond had nothing but positive things to say. “[Jayden is] one of those guys that’s always cool, calm, and collected,” Raymond said. “No matter how high or low we get in practice, he’s always trying to bring us back down to that even plane.
“I think he does a good job of keeping us on the same track.”
With Kilian O’Connor out for the year, Raymond currently appears to be the favorite to start at center for the Trojans, making his relationship with Maiava extra important. Fortunately for USC, that relationship seems to be a strong one. Contact/Follow @TrojansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of USC Trojans news, notes and opinion.
