USC starting QB 2024: Who will succeed Caleb Williams' role in Week 1 under HC Lincoln Riley?

USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley will enter his third year with the team in the 2024 season. It's also the first time he won't have Caleb Williams leading his offense since the Chicago Bears drafted the quarterback as the top pick in this year's NFL draft.

Nonetheless, Riley decided on USC's starting quarterback on Monday night, naming Miller Moss as his starter for the Trojans' season opener against the LSU Tigers on Sept. 1. Moss edged out Jayden Maiava for the QB1 role at USC.

Moss joined USC in 2021 and played just two games in his first year on the team, behind Kedon Slovis and Jaxson Dart. He then served as the backup to Caleb Williams in the past two seasons.

Heading into the 2024 season, Moss has played only 12 collegiate games across his career. He has thrown for 914 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception while completing 71.7% of his pass attempts.

Notably, Moss was also present at the Big Ten media day event on July 24. However, coach Lincoln Riley had then left the door open on his potential starter.

“Miller had the best spring like I told you guys at the end of the spring,” Riley said. “There’s no question if we were playing at that point that he would have been the starter. In my history man, a lot changes you know, I mean, you got some other guys in the room. You know, Jayden and Jake, they’ve got reps, they have gotten better fast.

“We’re excited to see those guys, excited to see what Jayden can do after now having an offseason where he understands the offense and can grow. So my expectation is he’s going to be quite a bit better than what he was. And then certainly the expectation is that Miller and Jake [Jensen] and the guys that have been here are going to continue to grow too.”

Now, there is confirmation that Moss will lead the Trojans' offense in Week 1 of the new season.

A glimpse into Lincoln Riley's coaching record at USC

USC Trojans HC Lincoln Riley (Source: Imagn)

Lincoln Riley was appointed as the USC Trojans coach in November 2021. He has compiled a 19-8 record with the team across two seasons.

Last season, the Trojans finished with an 8-5 overall record (5-4 in Big Ten conference). They managed to win the Holiday Bowl game against Louisville 42-28 in which Miller Moss was named the Offensive MVP.

Now, it will be interesting to see how Riley deals with the departure of Williams, heading into the 2024 season with Miller Moss as his starting quarterback.