Iowa Fans Should Watch These 3 USC Trojans Next Season
When the Iowa Hawkeyes face the USC Trojans in 2026, three key players on Lincoln Riley's roster could determine whether Iowa leaves the Coliseum with a win or a loss. As the Big Ten conference expands and competition heats up, understanding the opposition is critical for Iowa fans who want to know what their team is up against.
USC enters the season under pressure to perform after falling short of the College Football Playoff in 2025. The Trojans have talent, but questions remain about consistency, especially in big games. Here are the three most important players for USC next season and what they mean for Iowa's chances.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava
Jayden Maiava returns as USC's starting quarterback after leading the nation in QBR last season with a 91.2 rating. He threw for 3,711 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while completing 65.8 percent of his passes. But Iowa fans remember the Hawkeyes' loss to USC last season, when Maiava helped the Trojans secure a key win over a ranked opponent.
Maiava's performance in big games is a mixed bag. He struggled against Illinois, Oregon, Notre Dame, and TCU, all losses that kept USC out of the CFP. However, he led USC to wins over ranked Michigan and Iowa teams. For Iowa, the key is forcing Maiava into turnovers. Seven of his 10 interceptions came in losses, and the Hawkeyes' defense is known for creating takeaways.
If Maiava can cut down on turnovers and win on the road, USC could make a deep CFP run. But Iowa's defense will test him early and often.
Offensive Tackle Elijah Paige
Elijah Paige is a critical piece of USC's offensive line, but injuries limited him to seven games in 2025. When healthy, he was a strong presence. However, his absence against Oregon forced USC to play players out of position in a tough road environment.
In 2026, Paige will face some of the best defenses in the country, including Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana. For Iowa, Paige's health matters because the Hawkeyes' defensive line, led by veteran pass rushers, could exploit any weakness in USC's protection. If Paige is healthy and playing at his best, USC's offense becomes more balanced and explosive. If not, Iowa's defense could have a field day.
Paige's ability to stay healthy and lead the offensive line will be a major factor in USC's success against top Big Ten defenses.
Defensive Tackle Jahkeem Stewart
Jahkeem Stewart is a rising star on USC's defensive line. As a freshman in 2025, he recorded 18 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovery. His ability to make big plays stood out, and he could be even better in 2026.
Stewart stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 289 pounds, giving him the versatility to line up at nose tackle, defensive tackle, or defensive end. That flexibility is a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. For Iowa, Stewart's ability to generate negative plays against the run is especially dangerous. If he can force the Hawkeyes behind the sticks, it puts Iowa in tough third-down situations where USC can get after the quarterback.
Stewart has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the Big Ten. Iowa's offensive line will need to account for him on every snap.
What This Means for Iowa
For Iowa fans, these three players represent the biggest threats when the Hawkeyes face USC. Maiava's turnover issues, Paige's injury history, and Stewart's disruptive play all create opportunities for Iowa to win. The Hawkeyes' defense, known for its physicality and takeaways, matches up well against USC's strengths and weaknesses.
USC's success hinges on these three players performing at their best. If they falter, Iowa has a real chance to come away with a victory. The Big Ten is a grind, and every game matters. Iowa fans should keep a close eye on these Trojans.
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