Mason Miller is now a consistent starting quarterback for USC football. After spending his first three years of college football shadowing the likes of Kedon Slovis and Caleb Williams, Moss now has the opportunity to show everyone what he can do as the Trojans’ starter, according to ESPN’s Paolo Uggetti.
“It took Moss all of spring practice and most of fall camp to officially secure the position, but in many ways, Moss may have won the job back in December,” Uggetti reported.
“With Williams opting out of the Holiday Bowl to prepare for his NFL draft decision, Moss stepped into the starting role and seized the opportunity.”
In that bowl game against the Louisville Cardinals, Moss delivered an impressive performance, making a strong case to be USC’s next starting quarterback. Moss led the Trojans to a 42-28 victory, throwing for 372 yards and six touchdowns with just one interception on 23-of-33 pass completions. He also added 13 rushing yards on two carries.
One of the receivers who caught a touchdown pass from Moss in the Holiday Bowl was confident that Moss would secure the QB1 role, which indeed happened a few months later.
“Miller’s performance out there is something that will benefit us in the future, so personally, yes, he did,” wide receiver Kyron Hudson said after the win over the Cardinals, according to the Associated Press (via ESPN). “I’m super excited for Miller. He waited for his time and he’s ready for it. He’s the guy we need.”
Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley could have chosen transfer Jayden Maiava as Williams’ successor—Williams is now with the Chicago Bears—but USC ultimately decided to go with Moss. Although Maiava, just a sophomore, has more starting experience than Moss, having played 14 games with the UNLV Rebels in 2023 and passing for 3,085 yards and 17 touchdowns with 10 interceptions, USC stuck with Moss.
In just nine appearances for the Trojans, Moss has thrown for 914 yards and nine touchdowns with only one interception, completing 71.7 percent of his passes. While these are strong numbers, they come from a relatively small sample size.
Moss and the No. 23 Trojans will face an immediate test in the 2024 season when they take on the No. 13 LSU Tigers at Allegiant Stadium on September 1.
Fans react on social media to USC football choosing Miller Moss as 2024 starter
Moss’ selection as the starting quarterback for USC has elicited a wide range of opinions on social media.
“After what he did in the bowl game, I’m excited to see this guy play,” tweeted X user @gridirongage.
“Great, another Heisman.
“He deserves it, but the other guy is also good.” Given the inexperience of the offensive line, both players are likely to receive significant playing time.
“Loyalty and hard work are rewarded!” Thank you for staying instead of walking. Make the most of this season, man. Trojan Nation has got your back!
“Will Lincoln Riley work more magic with the gifted Miller Moss? We’ll find out with a full program ahead.” – @BigDaddyErace
“If he chooses to play in the NFL, he will be a top draft pick. But Riley will never win a national championship. – @LowT64
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