USC QB starting projections 2024: Who will be Lincoln Riley's QB1

The USC Trojans will have a new quarterback in 2024 after Caleb Williams was selected first overall in the 2024 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears. Williams had been the Trojans starting quarterback for the past two seasons, but coach Lincoln Riley will now have to turn to someone else.

Riley landed one quarterback in the transfer portal to add some competition to the room. Here's a look at who will be the Trojans' starting quarterback in 2024.

Who will be Lincoln Riley's QB1 at USC in 2024?

Miller Moss is projected to be the starting quarterback for the Trojans in 2024. Moss started the bowl game for Southern California last season and had a ton of success, which gives Trojans fans some confidence going into the season.

After spring practices, USC coach Lincoln Riley confirmed that Moss is the leading candidate to be the Trojans starting quarterback.

"He's certainly ahead right now, there's no question about that," Riley said, via ESPN. "We're in a position right now where we don't have to name a starter. ... If we played today, it would certainly be Miller... He's been awesome. He's played at a really high level."

In the bowl game against the Louisville Cardinals, Moss went 23 for 33 for 372 yards for six touchdowns and one interception. That matchup gave the Trojans a lot of confidence entering 2024 that Miller can succeed as a starting quarterback.

USC's QB depth chart

Competing with Miller Moss for the starting job is transfer quarterback Jayden Maiava. Maiava transferred from UNLV after one season, and as a freshman, he caught the eye. The quarterback went 224 for 353 for 3,085 yards, 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

The Trojans' third-string quarterback will be Jake Jensen, who was at the University of Southern California last season but did not appear in a game.

USC will open its 2024 season against LSU on Sept. 1. The Trojans also have notable games against Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State, Notre Dame and Washington.