Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Film
- Illinois
- Oregon
Background Info
- Listed at 6-4/230 lbs.
- 3-Star prospect according to 247 Sports
- Transferred from UNLV to USC
- Mountain West Freshman of the Year in 2023
- Second-team All-Mountain West in 2023
- Third-team All-Big Ten in 2025
Notable career stats heading into 2026
- 31 Starts
- 925 Pass attempts
- 7,997 Passing yards
- 8.6 Yards per attempt
Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026
- 54 Big-time throws
- 5 Turnover worthy play rate
- Average depth of target is 9.5 yards
- 71.3% Adjusted completion percentage
Strengths
- Makes his progressions through his options
- Can make throws on the run and across his body
- Delivers throws to all levels of the field with touch and accuracy
- Throws receivers open
- Keeps his eyes downfield to make a play when navigating the pocket
Player Summary
Jayden Maiava is a really fun quarterback prospect who has a lot of traits that NFL teams are going to be in favor of. The touch and accuracy he demonstrates, especially on the run or across his body, is something to behold. He puts enough gas on his passes to make tight windows and avoid defenders making plays on them. He has good movement skills in the pocket, and while he could always take off, he would rather keep his eyes downfield, which isn’t common, and it allows him to make plays.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Jayden Maiava, QB, USC
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