Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) carries the ball against UCLA Bruins defensive back Key Lawrence (4) in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
USC football pumped out its sixth NFL Draft first rounder since the 2020 class in Makai Lemon. The rookie Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver now leaves quarterback Jayden Maiava with a new WR1 to find before facing San Jose State in Week 0.
But that also hands Maiava a strong chance to elevate his own draft stock ahead of Saturday.
The nation's No. 14 ranked team will help open the college football season up inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. And will more than likely draw NFL scouts in as the Spartans come to town.
So that leads into the 2027 draft prospect look in the land of troy.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava
Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) handles the ball during the game against the Oregon Ducks during the first half at Autzen Stadium.
Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
He's hands down USC's next best draft prospect from coach Lincoln Riley. Except Maiava can join history at both USC and under Riley.
Maiava can become the ninth Heisman Trophy winner at USC with a breakout 2026. Plus rise as Riley's fourth Heisman winner and join a fraternity that features Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray and Caleb Williams, the latter representing Riley's lone USC victor for the coveted award.
SJSU doesn't come off as a fierce challenge for Maiava. Especially after fielding the nation's 121st overall defensive unit from 2025 and are undergoing a rebuild there. So signs point to a fast start for Maiava.
But his draft stock elevates if he shreds these two future home opponents: No. 2 Oregon on Sept. 26, then top-ranked Ohio State on Halloween night. He'll ignite Heisman conversations too in surpassing both heavyweights.
Wide receiver Terrell Anderson
North Carolina State Wolfpack wide receiver Terrell Anderson (9) runs with the ball after a catch against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Tanook Hines enters this season anticipated to surface as Maiava's new go-to target. But he's only a sophomore, while the North Carolina State transfer Anderson presents his own intriguing skill set ahead of his junior season.
Anderson arrives as the proverbial deep threat here, plus adds return value as a special teamer. Exploding in Riley's offense in season one will catapult his name into league conversations.
Anderson could join Jordan Addison as past transfers who rose as future first rounders after playing for USC.
Center/Guard Tobias Raymond
Raymond surfaces as a major X-Factor for USC. He's sliding down to center amid Kilian O'Connor losing his 2026 season with a broken leg injury.
Yet O'Connor's absence presents this golden chance for Raymond: Showcasing his versatility and strength.
The Ventura, California native Raymond can show the nation he's both a road grader and Maiava's top pass protector. Especially in handling blitzes up the middle as Raymond likely will get tested a lot among the five starting linemen. A dominating junior campaign can lift his own draft stock.
Defensive Tackle Jide Abasiri
This junior faces his own “step to the plate” moment. Abasiri's heralded sophomore teammate Jahkeem Stewart won't line up next to him amid his foot injury.
So the muscular 6-foot-5, 280-pounder rises as the long-armed pass rusher inside for the Week 0 matchup. Abasiri can pile the sack count facing a pass-heavy SJSU team.
He's fresh off delivering 17 solo tackles with 3.5 sacks.
Cornerback Jontez Williams
Time for one more College Football Transfer Portal addition who can emerge as a draft selection here.
Williams picked off four passes and swatted five more in 2024 with Iowa State. He heads to USC with quieter 2025 numbers (two PBUs and one pick) in tow.
But new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson can re-unlock Williams especially in press man coverage. Plus Patterson's mix-and-match ability can throw off quarterbacks and lead to errant throws, which can re-establish Williams as a ball hawk and possibly, become Patterson's new “Jason Verrett” here as the latest high CB draft pick from him.