Maiava, who grew up on O’ahu, will face off Saturday against Nebraska’s Dylan Railoa, a fellow Polynesian QB, in a ‘stepping stone’ for their community

Jayden Maiava grew up watching Marcus Mariota win the Heisman Trophy and cheering while Tua Tagovailoa led Alabama to a national championship.

Jayden Maiava knows he will be setting an example for others when he becomes the first Polynesian to start at quarterback at USC Saturday.

Maiava is USC’s first Polynesian quarterback, but he embraces the school’s long history of star Polynesian players including Junior Seau, Troy Polamalu, Rey Maualuga, Su’a Cravens, Tuli Tuipulotu and Talanoa Hufanga. Maiava’s uncle, Kaluka, also played four seasons as a USC linebacker from 2005-08.