Matt Leinart Optimistic About USC’s Prospects for the 2025 College Football Playoff

As the college football season unfolds, former USC quarterback Matt Leinart expresses cautious optimism about the Trojans’ potential to make a significant impact in the 2025 College Football Playoff. Leinart, a celebrated figure in Southern California sports, highlights several key factors contributing to his positive outlook, particularly the performance of quarterback Jayden Maiava.

Jayden Maiava: A Rising Star

In a recent episode of the “Joel Klatt Show,” Leinart shared his admiration for Maiava, who has quickly become a focal point of USC’s offense. Leinart noted that Maiava’s playing style mirrors that of the successful quarterbacks Lincoln Riley coached during his tenure at Oklahoma, such as Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray.

“He’s a pass-first guy, which I love, but he can run and make plays, so he can stress a defense,” Leinart remarked. He pointed to a standout performance against Michigan State, where Maiava showcased his dual-threat capabilities by scoring two rushing touchdowns while maintaining a strong presence in the pocket.

A Balanced Offensive Strategy

Leinart emphasized that Maiava represents a balance between the explosive playmaking of former Heisman winner Caleb Williams and the more traditional style of 2024 starter Miller Moss. This balance allows USC to implement a more versatile offensive strategy, enabling them to run the ball more effectively than in previous seasons.

“Woody Marks was fantastic, but they would get away and all of a sudden, it’s like they’re throwing the ball four or five times in a row. Like, why?” Leinart questioned, suggesting that a lack of trust in the offensive line and quarterback play may have contributed to this imbalance in the past.

Ground Game Dominance

USC’s ground game has been a revelation this season, averaging 252.3 rushing yards per game, ranking 12th nationally. The Trojans’ impressive 7.1 yards per carry places them second among Power 4 programs. Running back Waymond Jordan has emerged as a key player, amassing 443 yards at an impressive 7.8 yards per carry, including a remarkable 157 yards against Michigan State.

Leinart believes Jordan has a legitimate shot at the Heisman Trophy this season, crediting the offensive and defensive lines as pivotal factors in USC’s resurgence. “The offensive line is playing really well. They look more physical,” he stated, noting that upcoming games against teams like Illinois, Michigan, and Notre Dame will serve as true tests of their capabilities.

A New Era for USC’s Lines

Leinart’s observations extend beyond the skill positions. He highlighted the physicality and athleticism of both the offensive and defensive lines, which he believes are crucial for the Trojans’ success. “You can tell the way they look, the way they move, the athleticism. USC has finally gotten to that point,” he said, expressing optimism about the team’s future.

Statistically, USC has allowed only three sacks and 16 pressures this season, a significant improvement from the previous year when they surrendered 15 sacks and faced 139 pressures over 13 games. Defensively, the Trojans have recorded 16 sacks, tying for the most in the nation, and are generating an average of 21 quarterback pressures per game-an increase of nearly 50% from last season.

Size Matters

Joel Klatt, who co-hosts the show with Leinart, echoed these sentiments, noting that the size of USC’s linemen has increased significantly. The average weight of the first and second-string defensive linemen has risen from 278 pounds last year to 300 pounds this season. This newfound size and strength have made the Trojans a formidable opponent, prompting Klatt to assert that USC is “much more for real than anybody is giving them credit for around the country.”

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future

As the Trojans prepare for a challenging schedule ahead, Leinart remains confident in their potential. “I think they’re a 10-2, 11-1 team if they continue to play the way they are,” he stated. While acknowledging that critics may point to the lack of high-profile opponents thus far, he emphasized that USC has dominated in every facet of the game and shown improvement across the board.

In conclusion, the combination of a talented quarterback, a revitalized ground game, and a more physical presence on both lines has positioned USC as a serious contender for the College Football Playoff. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Trojans to see if they can translate this optimism into tangible success on the field.