USC picks Miller Moss as next QB1

Field Level Media|published: 08/19/2024, 9:01pm EDT

Dec 27, 2023; San Diego, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) gestures during a running play against the Louisville Cardinals in the second half at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Southern California will enter the 2024 season with Miller Moss as its starting quarterback, coach Lincoln Riley announced Monday.

Moss steps into the Los Angeles limelight after spending three years as a backup quarterback for the Trojans.

In five games of limited action last year, Moss completed 46 of 65 pass attempts for 681 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. His breakout performance came in the Holiday Bowl, which No. 1 quarterback Caleb Williams skipped to prepare for the NFL draft. Moss went 23-for-33 for 372 yards, six touchdowns and a pick in a 42-28 win over Louisville.

Moss' primary competition for the starting job was transfer Jayden Maiava. At UNLV last year, Maiava played in all 14 games and completed 63.5 percent of his throws for 3,085 yards, 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

The Big Ten preseason media poll pegged USC sixth of 18 teams in its first year in the conference. The Trojans open their season on Sept. 1 with a nonconference game against LSU in Las Vegas.

--Field Level Media