Why USC Trojans Quarterback Jayden Maiava is Dark Horse for Heisman Trophy: Betting Odds

After USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava had another explosive performance in week 2, one USC legend had a rather bold take.

"Keep an eye on Jayden Maiava and the Heisman Race.

Its early but bookmark this..." wrote Fox Sports analyst and former Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart after week 2.

The recognition came as no surprise after the sophomore carved up Georgia Southern for one of the most efficient passing displays in recent USC history.

And its already paying offMaiava has climbed to 15th in FanDuel Sportsbook's odds to win the Heisman at +3000.

Here are some of the players around Maiava: Cade Klubnik, Clemson quarterback: +2000 Jackson Arnold, Auburn quarterback: +2000 Julian Sayin, Ohio State quarterback: +2000 Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State wide receiver: +2000 CJ Carr, Notre Dame quarterback: +2500 Sam Leavitt, Arizona State quarterback: +2500 Jayden Maiava, USC quarterback: +3000 Marcel Reed, Texas A&M quarterback: +3500 Thomas Castellanos, Florida State quarterback : +3500 Joey Aguilar, Tennessee quarterback: +3500 Its a modest rise, but one that signals national voices are starting to see what USC fans already know: this quarterback has the tools to make a real run.

A Historic Passing Day Maiava delivered one of the most explosive performances of any quarterback in week 2.

Against Georgia Southern, he completed 16 of 24 passes (66.7 percent) for 412 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions.

All four scores came in the first half, where he threw for 304 yards and opened the game with seven straight completions, including three touchdowns.

By the time Lincoln Riley pulled him in the fourth quarter, the damage was done.

USC rolled to a 5920 win with Maiava accounting for a highlight reels worth of deep strikestwo to Makai Lemon (62 and 74 yards), and shorter red-zone connections to Duce Robinson and Walker Lyons.

The stat that jumps off the page? 17.2 yards per attempt.

Thats not just efficientits elite, and it shows a quarterback capable of both accuracy and explosiveness at a level few in the country can match.

MORE: USC Trojans' Jayden Maiavas Career Game vs.

Georgia Southern Sends A Bigger Message MORE: New Teams in AP Top 25 Poll? College Football Rankings Prediction MORE: Biggest Winners, Losers In USC Trojans Win Over Georgia Southern Advanced Efficiency and Ball Security Beyond the box score, the efficiency numbers tell the same story: - Zero sacks, zero turnoversa clean sheet of decision-making and protection.

- Four completions of 50+ yards, two of which went for touchdowns.

- 14th-most passing yards in a game in USC history, further embedding his outing into program lore.

Pro Football Focus validated the eye test, grading Maiava with a 90.8 Offensive Grade and an 89.7 Passing Grade through two games, the best among Big Ten quarterbacks.

That combination of production and precision is why his Heisman stock is starting to creep upward.

Context in the Heisman Race The Heisman conversation remains quarterback-driven, but its also highly sensitive to opponent strength.

Early ballots rewarded players like Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) and LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina) for strong showings against Power Four defenses.

Maiava, on the other hand, has faced Missouri State and Georgia Southernteams that dont carry much national weight.

Thats why this week 2 leap matters.

Voters and oddsmakers arent just reacting to USCs margin of victory; theyre responding to how Maiava produced.

Explosive touchdowns, no wasted possessions, and advanced metrics that line up with the best arms in the country all build credibility heading into tougher Big Ten matchups.

MORE: USC Trojans Latest L.A.

Coliseum Attendance Sparks Questions MORE: BYU Cougars Recruit Ryder Lyons On Campus for USC Trojans vs.

Georgia Southern Game Looking Ahead The message is clear: Maiava has the talent and the numbers to compete with anyone in this race.

What he needs now are spotlight gamesperformances against ranked Big Ten opponents where the stakes and the defenses are higher.

If he continues to pair deep-ball fireworks with turnover-free play, the stock wont just creepit will surge.

For now, the week 2 jump to 15th in FanDuels odds is the first sign that the rest of the country is starting to catch on.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER..

This article has been shared from the original article on si, here is the link to the original article.