Jayden Maiava was one of the most productive quarterbacks in college football last season, and his scouting report looks at how well his skill set might translate to the next level, and how Maiava could be one of the top quarterbacks selected in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Jayden Maiava Scouting Report
Measurables:
Height- 6’4″
Weight- 225 lbs
Background:
Maiava attended Liberty High School in Nevada, where he was a three-star recruit. He committed to UNLV, where he redshirted during his first season with the team in 2022. He began the 2023 season as a backup quarterback, but he made his first career start early in the season against UTEP. As the starter, Maiava helped lead UNLV to the program’s first-ever Mountain West Conference Championship game appearance. Maiava won the Mountain West Freshman of the Year award, earned All-Mountain West Second Team honors, and led the conference in passer rating.
After a great 2023 season at UNLV, Maiava transferred to USC. Maiava began the 2024 season as the backup quarterback but became the starter during the team’s last four games of the season. He entered the 2025 season as the team’s starting quarterback, and he started every game for the Trojans during the season. Maiava threw for a conference-leading 3,711 passing yards as well as 24 passing touchdowns. He earned All-Big Ten Third Team honors and was named a Davey O’Brien Award Semifinalist.
Strengths:
Maiava is a quarterback with prototypical size for the position at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds. He is a confident passer with a powerful arm and a quick release, and is able to consistently throw the ball with good velocity. He has the ability to throw the ball into tight windows, and he is a great deep-ball passer. Maiava is an excellent downfield passer who throws the deep ball with great touch and accuracy.
He also does a good job at extending plays, and he has the ability to pick up yards on the ground as well. Maiava ran for six rushing touchdowns last season, and he had 277 rushing yards in his season at UNLV. He is a talented passer who has been very productive throughout his college career. Maiava led the Mountain West in yards per attempt and passer rating in 2023, and he led the Big Ten in total passing yards and yards per completion in 2025.
Weaknesses:
Maiava can be too risky with the football and needs to improve his decision-making. He forces throws into tight coverage too often and has recorded 10 interceptions in both the 2023 and 2025 seasons. He also has a tendency to stare down his first read and is inconsistent when under pressure. When under pressure, Maiava’s footwork is not as strong, and his consistency with accuracy and decision-making under pressure needs to improve as well.
Jayden Maiava Scouting Report Overview:
Maiava is a strong quarterback with prototypical size for the position, great confidence as a passer, and good overall athletic ability. He has had tremendous production as a passer throughout his college career at both UNLV and USC, but he could become an even more efficient passer if he improves his decision-making and limits turnovers in the 2026 season. Maiava absolutely has the skill set to be one of the best quarterbacks in the 2027 draft class. He is currently a likely Day 2 quarterback, but if he can continue to improve his footwork and does a good job at limiting turnovers in 2026, Maiava has a chance to be taken in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
