“Only USC” episode featuring USC Trojans Jayden Maiava and Lake McRee

In the latest episode of “Only USC,” presented by House of Victory, quarterback Jayden Maiava makes his first start with the USC Trojans and Lake McRee details his journey to return from injury. The two players are compelling figures on the USC team for different reasons, but both bring unique stories worth telling and documenting.

Maiava is a 6-4, 220-pound redshirt sophomore transfer from UNLV, where he was an All-Conference player for the Rebels. After coming in for previous starting quarterback Miller Moss, Maiava helped the Trojans to a much-needed 28-20 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Off the field, Maiava describes his upbringing as a young Polynesian child growing up in Hawaii in a household of more than 20 people. Maiava also explores how his childhood and environment shaped him into the person and ultimately the player he is today.

McRee is a player who needs no introduction in USC circles. The 6-4, 250-pound tight end from Austin, Texas, is in his fourth season at USC. McRee has lived through many different eras of Trojan football and has seen it all at this point in his career.

McRee took the audience through his recovery journey from a knee injury he suffered after a low hit earlier this year. It was initially believed that McRee could potentially miss the rest of the season with reconstructive surgery, but McRee avoided serious damage after further evaluation. The veteran takes the Trojan faithful through the rehabilitation process and talks about what it means to be back on the field.

Maiava has already racked up nearly 400 yards and five touchdowns in limited game action: three passing and two rushing. McCree, despite missing a month, has 21 receptions for 207 yards. He has six receptions and is less than 60 yards away from surpassing his career highs in a single season.

The 5-5 USC Trojans will take on the bitter cross-town rival 4-6 UCLA Bruins in the Rose Bowl on Saturday. The game is highly contested either way, but with both teams fighting to keep their hopes of bowling alive or winning a bowl game, the stakes are higher than usual, despite the regular bragging rights.