Iowa's 2025 Loss to USC Highlights Key Trojans to Watch in 2026

For Iowa Hawkeye fans, the 2025 season ended with a bitter taste after a loss to USC. That game, a key win for the Trojans, showed exactly why three players on USC's roster will be critical to their 2026 Big Ten and College Football Playoff hopes. As Lincoln Riley's team looks to build on that momentum, these three standouts will determine if the Trojans can finally break through.

Jayden Maiava: The Quarterback Who Beat Iowa

Quarterback Jayden Maiava is the engine of USC's offense. Last season, he led the nation in QBR with a 91.2 rating, throwing for 3,711 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while completing 65.8 percent of his passes. But it was his performance against Iowa that Hawkeye fans remember most. Maiava helped USC secure a critical win over a ranked Iowa team, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion in big moments.

However, consistency remains an issue. Maiava struggled in losses to Illinois, Oregon, Notre Dame, and TCU, throwing seven of his 10 interceptions in those defeats. For USC to make a deep CFP run in 2026, Maiava must cut down on turnovers and prove he can win on the road against the Big Ten's best defenses, including Ohio State and Oregon.

Elijah Paige: The Offensive Tackle Key to USC's Line

Offensive tackle Elijah Paige is a vital piece of USC's offensive line. In 2025, he appeared in seven games but missed five due to injury, including a tough road loss to Oregon where the Trojans were forced to play players out of position. Paige's health in 2026 is critical, especially against elite pass rushes from Oregon, Ohio State, and Indiana.

When healthy, Paige is a strong pass protector and run blocker. His leadership could help USC field one of the most balanced and explosive offenses in the Big Ten. For Iowa fans, this is a reminder that the Hawkeyes' defense will need to be at its best to contain a fully healthy USC line.

Jahkeem Stewart: The Defensive Tackle Who Disrupts Everything

Defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart is a rising star. 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 was a constant threat, and his versatility to line up at nose tackle, defensive tackle, or defensive end gives defensive coordinator Gary Patterson flexibility.

Stewart's knack for generating negative plays against the run is especially dangerous for Iowa's offense, which relies on a strong ground game. If Stewart continues to develop, he could become one of the best defenders in the Big Ten, a player the Hawkeyes will have to account for in every matchup.

What This Means for Iowa

For Iowa, the 2025 loss to USC was a reminder that the Trojans are a formidable opponent. As USC looks to build on that win, the performances of Maiava, Paige, and Stewart will be key. If they stay healthy and play to their potential, USC could be a serious contender in the Big Ten and beyond. Iowa fans should keep an eye on these three players as the 2026 season approaches.