Former UNLV QB Jayden Maiava Returns to Familiar Territory for Las Vegas Bowl

USC Trojans QB Jayden Maiava
USC Trojans QB Jayden Maiava / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

For USC quarterback Jayden Maiava, the upcoming Las Vegas Bowl is more than just another game; it's a homecoming. Just a year ago, Maiava led the UNLV Rebels on the same field at Allegiant Stadium. Now, he returns as the signal-caller for the USC Trojans, adding an intriguing layer to this postseason matchup.

Maiava’s journey has been a whirlwind. After a breakout season at UNLV in 2023, where he earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors, he transferred to USC, initially as a backup. However, he stepped into the starting role this season, leading the Trojans offense. Returning to Las Vegas brings back a flood of memories. "It's definitely a surreal feeling being back here," Maiava shared at today's press conference. "This stadium holds a lot of special moments for me. It's where I really got my college career going."

The familiarity with the stadium and the city could provide an edge for Maiava. He knows the sightlines, the atmosphere, and the unique quirks of Allegiant Stadium. He even expressed his excitement about seeing some familiar faces in the crowd. "I'm looking forward to seeing some of the fans who supported me last year," Maiava said. "It'll be good to reconnect with them."

While emotions will undoubtedly be present, Maiava emphasized his focus is on the game. He understands the importance of this bowl game for USC and is determined to finish the season strong. His return to Las Vegas is a compelling storyline, but the ultimate goal is to lead his team to victory.

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Dominic Robinson
DOMINIC ROBINSON

D Rob is a lifetime Coach and trainer of all sports who began working as a consultant and analyst behind the scenes in 2020. In 2022 began his tenure in front of the camera as part of the Warchant Gameday crew, providing feedback and analysis during the "Warchant Watch Along" show, a distinctive opportunity for fans who want to watch the game from the perspective of a former player and Coach. His time on that show spawned appearances on "Sunday Smash" and his own show "FSU Film Breakdown" ( In which he uses All 22 film footage) digging deeper into the concepts, schemes and plays that are writing the story of the season for Florida State and its opponents. D Rob also provides a unique prospective assessment of coaches and recruits as he coached in the college ranks for many years, coaches and trains athletes currently. Dominic, a California native, played both baseball and football at FSU from 2001-2004 currently runs 3D Sports Performance out of Phoenix, Arizona and works as a consultant