TLDR: Throughout the 2024 season, the USC Trojans faced a dynamic shift in quarterback play under head coach Lincoln Riley. Initially, redshirt junior Miller Moss took charge but struggled with turnovers, prompting a switch to UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava. Despite achieving a victory over Nebraska, quarterback concerns lingered as USC aimed for bowl eligibility. Meanwhile, the Trojans secured a high-profile commitment from Husan Longstreet, a five-star quarterback, replacing the void left by Julian Lewis’s de-commitment. Longstreet, hailing from Southern California, has been linked to USC since high school and represents a significant local recruiting victory for Riley. This reinforces Riley’s strategy of fostering elite quarterbacks every two years, vital for the Trojans’ continued success. Despite challenges, Riley’s recruitment of Longstreet signals a promising future for USC’s quarterback position.

The USC Trojans have been under the spotlight this 2024 season, mainly due to significant changes at the quarterback position. With head coach Lincoln Riley’s strategic moves, the team initially placed their faith in redshirt junior Miller Moss. However, as the season progressed, UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava took over the reins, bringing new dynamics to the team.

This change marks a departure from Lincoln Riley’s recent history of leading with five-star recruits. Previously, Riley had the benefit of Caleb Williams’ talent at quarterback, stretching back to their tenure together with the Oklahoma Sooners. This legacy followed from the era of Spencer Rattler, a top recruit in 2019, signaling a long tradition of quality quarterbacks under Riley’s guidance.

The early phase of the season saw Moss, starting strong with the Trojans charting a 3-1 record, but troubles soon arose following a crucial 27-24 loss to Michigan. The latter half of the season was marred by turnovers, prominently in a critical loss to the Washington Huskies, a game that witnessed Moss throwing three interceptions, ultimately leading to a series of defeats.

As the team sought to regain competitive edge, Maiava’s introduction at quarterback sparked a revitalizing 28-20 win against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, drawing the Trojans closer to a possible bowl game eligibility. Yet, the season’s narrative remained riddled with uncertainties about the future quarterback lineup.

In a twist to the quarterback plot, USC shifted focus to Husan Longstreet, a five-star recruit for 2025. Previously committed to Texas A&M, Longstreet’s addition signifies a strategic win for the Trojans in the recruiting arena. With Julian Lewis stepping away from USC in favor of Colorado, Longstreet’s commitment represents a recalibrated offensive plan.

Longstreet’s journey to USC has deep roots, fostered by an established relationship with quarterbacks coach Luke Huard since his high school days. Despite Lewis’s involvement with other institutions, USC persistently courted Longstreet, promoting him as the primary choice in their recruitment strategy.

The inclusion of Longstreet underscores a major recruiting achievement for Riley, one that emphasizes attention towards local California talent. Despite past criticisms of neglecting Californian prospects, Riley has delivered a top-tier commitment for USC’s future gridiron endeavors, enhancing prospects at one of the most crucial positions on the field.

With this strategic maneuver completed, Lincoln Riley’s longstanding tradition of recruiting elite quarterbacks shows signs of continuity. As USC braces for the upcoming seasons, Longstreet’s signing is a testament to Riley’s commitment to cultivating future talent, ensuring the Trojans maintain their competitive stature in college football’s prominent echelons.