University Southern California Trojans
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USC Quarterback Jayden Maiava Nominated for Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
July 20, 2026 | Football
LOS ANGELES—Redshirt senior quarterback Jayden Maiava has been selected as a nominee for the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Nominees are recognized for their commitment to community service and leadership beyond the gridiron.
As USC's quarterback and a household name under one of football's most prominent spotlights, Maiava remains deeply grounded in service, humility and community. Originally from Honolulu's Pālolo Valley, Maiava never forgot where he came from or the struggles he overcame growing up. His experiences shaped an incredible servant's heart and a genuine passion for mentoring children and uplifting underserved communities, especially his deep commitment to giving back to the community that helped shape him. Maiava consistently uses his platform to inspire hope, connection and opportunity for others. He embodies the spirit of 'ohana: the value of family, connection and community.
For Maiava, giving back to the community that raised him is deeply personal. In June of 2026, he returned to Honolulu's Pālolo Valley where he hosted a free youth football clinic for more than 350 local children ages 6 to 14, transforming a day of football instruction into a meaningful event centered on mentorship, inspiration and opportunity. Throughout the clinic, Maiava taught football fundamentals while emphasizing teamwork, perseverance and the importance of believing in yourself despite adversity, drawing from his own journey from the Pālolo Valley to the highest levels of the sport. Extending his impact beyond the field, proceeds from event t-shirt sales were donated to Aloha 1st Athletics, a local nonprofit dedicated to leadership, character development and mental health support through sports, reinforcing his commitment to investing in the next generation and strengthening the community that shaped him. Above all, Maiava encouraged attendees to lead with integrity, make a positive impact on those around them and pursue excellence in football, academics, faith and everyday life.
On this same trip, Maiava continued his commitment to giving back by returning to his former high school, Kaimukī High, where he spoke to students not only as the USC quarterback but as someone who once walked the same halls with the same aspirations. Reflecting on his journey from serving as a Bulldogs ball boy and water boy to achieving his dream of wearing the Kaimukī jersey and competing at the highest level, Maiava shared an honest message about overcoming adversity, embracing opportunity and trusting God's plan. He encouraged students to approach life with a "Fight On" mentality, emphasizing resilience, discipline, faith, accountability and the importance of supporting others through difficult times. Crediting his mother as his greatest inspiration, he also stressed the value of education and the life lessons football has taught him about leadership, perseverance and character.
Maiava's outreach continued at Jarrett Middle School, where he inspired more than 400 students through an interactive discussion focused on perseverance, personal responsibility and making positive choices, sharing his own experiences growing up in Pālolo Housing and encouraging students to embrace discipline over regret as they pursue their goals. He also visited Pālolo Elementary School, where he read with students, sang songs and created an engaging, uplifting environment that reflected his genuine commitment to mentorship and community. Together, these visits underscored Maiava's dedication to empowering Hawaii's youth through education, faith, service and authentic leadership, reinforcing his mission to invest in the communities that helped shape him.
Beyond his work in Hawaii, Maiava has consistently dedicated his time to serving communities throughout Los Angeles, partnering with organizations focused on food insecurity, youth development and community outreach. He has volunteered multiple times with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, helping sort and pack thousands of pounds of fresh produce for families in need, including supporting relief efforts for residents displaced by the January 2025 wildfires.
Maiava has also demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing food insecurity through his service at the Dream Center and The Midnight Mission. Across three volunteer shifts at the Dream Center, he helped prepare and serve more than 1,300 meals for individuals experiencing food insecurity, while at The Midnight Mission he worked alongside staff to prepare and distribute meals to individuals and families seeking support, reflecting his hands-on approach to serving those most in need.
In addition to his volunteer service, Maiava has invested in mentoring and empowering young people through organizations including the Boys & Girls Club, Angel City Sports' Youth Weekend and The Young Shakespeareans. Whether coaching and encouraging local youth, participating in adaptive sports alongside children with physical disabilities or celebrating students' achievements in the arts, he has consistently used his platform to promote inclusion, confidence, education and personal growth while building meaningful connections throughout the community.
On the field, USC returns the nation's top quarterback in Maiava. The 2025 All-Big Ten Third Team quarterback led the nation with a 91.2 QBR and has 31 career starts. As USC's starting quarterback, Maiava started in all 13 games for the Trojans in 2025. He completed 265-of-403 passes (65.8%) for 3,711 yards and 24 TDs with 10 INTs, plus he rushed for 157 yards on 54 carries (2.9 avg.) and 6 TDs. He also recorded 1 tackle and 1 forced fumble (one of two quarterbacks in the FBS to do so in 2025).
He was named to the 2025 All Big Ten Third Team, the 2025 Phil Steele All-Big Ten Third Team and the Pro Football Sports Network All-Big Ten Third Team. Maiava was a Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Finalist and was a Davey O'Brien Award Semifinalist. He was a two-time Davey O'Brien Great 8 recipient and a Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week honoree.
The 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team will be announced in September and include 22 student-athletes and one honorary head coach. One student-athlete will also be selected as team captain and receive the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.
A selection panel composed of former Good Works Team members, college football coaches, journalists and other leaders connected to the award reviews nominations from across the country. Voters evaluate candidates based on the breadth and depth of their community service, demonstrated leadership, academic achievement and the measurable impact they have had on the people and causes they serve.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, a member of the National College Football Awards Association, is college football's premier award for community service. The trophy is presented annually by the Wuerffel Foundation to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership and performance on and off the field. Named after Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer, Danny Wuerffel, the award honors his commitment to inspiring greater service and unity in the world.
As USC's quarterback and a household name under one of football's most prominent spotlights, Maiava remains deeply grounded in service, humility and community. Originally from Honolulu's Pālolo Valley, Maiava never forgot where he came from or the struggles he overcame growing up. His experiences shaped an incredible servant's heart and a genuine passion for mentoring children and uplifting underserved communities, especially his deep commitment to giving back to the community that helped shape him. Maiava consistently uses his platform to inspire hope, connection and opportunity for others. He embodies the spirit of 'ohana: the value of family, connection and community.
For Maiava, giving back to the community that raised him is deeply personal. In June of 2026, he returned to Honolulu's Pālolo Valley where he hosted a free youth football clinic for more than 350 local children ages 6 to 14, transforming a day of football instruction into a meaningful event centered on mentorship, inspiration and opportunity. Throughout the clinic, Maiava taught football fundamentals while emphasizing teamwork, perseverance and the importance of believing in yourself despite adversity, drawing from his own journey from the Pālolo Valley to the highest levels of the sport. Extending his impact beyond the field, proceeds from event t-shirt sales were donated to Aloha 1st Athletics, a local nonprofit dedicated to leadership, character development and mental health support through sports, reinforcing his commitment to investing in the next generation and strengthening the community that shaped him. Above all, Maiava encouraged attendees to lead with integrity, make a positive impact on those around them and pursue excellence in football, academics, faith and everyday life.
On this same trip, Maiava continued his commitment to giving back by returning to his former high school, Kaimukī High, where he spoke to students not only as the USC quarterback but as someone who once walked the same halls with the same aspirations. Reflecting on his journey from serving as a Bulldogs ball boy and water boy to achieving his dream of wearing the Kaimukī jersey and competing at the highest level, Maiava shared an honest message about overcoming adversity, embracing opportunity and trusting God's plan. He encouraged students to approach life with a "Fight On" mentality, emphasizing resilience, discipline, faith, accountability and the importance of supporting others through difficult times. Crediting his mother as his greatest inspiration, he also stressed the value of education and the life lessons football has taught him about leadership, perseverance and character.
Maiava's outreach continued at Jarrett Middle School, where he inspired more than 400 students through an interactive discussion focused on perseverance, personal responsibility and making positive choices, sharing his own experiences growing up in Pālolo Housing and encouraging students to embrace discipline over regret as they pursue their goals. He also visited Pālolo Elementary School, where he read with students, sang songs and created an engaging, uplifting environment that reflected his genuine commitment to mentorship and community. Together, these visits underscored Maiava's dedication to empowering Hawaii's youth through education, faith, service and authentic leadership, reinforcing his mission to invest in the communities that helped shape him.
Beyond his work in Hawaii, Maiava has consistently dedicated his time to serving communities throughout Los Angeles, partnering with organizations focused on food insecurity, youth development and community outreach. He has volunteered multiple times with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, helping sort and pack thousands of pounds of fresh produce for families in need, including supporting relief efforts for residents displaced by the January 2025 wildfires.
Maiava has also demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing food insecurity through his service at the Dream Center and The Midnight Mission. Across three volunteer shifts at the Dream Center, he helped prepare and serve more than 1,300 meals for individuals experiencing food insecurity, while at The Midnight Mission he worked alongside staff to prepare and distribute meals to individuals and families seeking support, reflecting his hands-on approach to serving those most in need.
In addition to his volunteer service, Maiava has invested in mentoring and empowering young people through organizations including the Boys & Girls Club, Angel City Sports' Youth Weekend and The Young Shakespeareans. Whether coaching and encouraging local youth, participating in adaptive sports alongside children with physical disabilities or celebrating students' achievements in the arts, he has consistently used his platform to promote inclusion, confidence, education and personal growth while building meaningful connections throughout the community.
On the field, USC returns the nation's top quarterback in Maiava. The 2025 All-Big Ten Third Team quarterback led the nation with a 91.2 QBR and has 31 career starts. As USC's starting quarterback, Maiava started in all 13 games for the Trojans in 2025. He completed 265-of-403 passes (65.8%) for 3,711 yards and 24 TDs with 10 INTs, plus he rushed for 157 yards on 54 carries (2.9 avg.) and 6 TDs. He also recorded 1 tackle and 1 forced fumble (one of two quarterbacks in the FBS to do so in 2025).
He was named to the 2025 All Big Ten Third Team, the 2025 Phil Steele All-Big Ten Third Team and the Pro Football Sports Network All-Big Ten Third Team. Maiava was a Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Finalist and was a Davey O'Brien Award Semifinalist. He was a two-time Davey O'Brien Great 8 recipient and a Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week honoree.
The 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team will be announced in September and include 22 student-athletes and one honorary head coach. One student-athlete will also be selected as team captain and receive the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.
A selection panel composed of former Good Works Team members, college football coaches, journalists and other leaders connected to the award reviews nominations from across the country. Voters evaluate candidates based on the breadth and depth of their community service, demonstrated leadership, academic achievement and the measurable impact they have had on the people and causes they serve.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, a member of the National College Football Awards Association, is college football's premier award for community service. The trophy is presented annually by the Wuerffel Foundation to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership and performance on and off the field. Named after Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer, Danny Wuerffel, the award honors his commitment to inspiring greater service and unity in the world.
Thursday, May 14
Thursday, May 14
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