Trojans QB Miller Moss Seeks Fresh Start Through Transfer Portal

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Trojans QB Miller Moss Seeks Fresh Start Through Transfer Portal \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Southern California quarterback Miller Moss announced Monday that he is entering the transfer portal as a graduate student after being replaced as the Trojans’ starter last month. Moss started nine games this season, throwing for 2,555 yards and 18 touchdowns but struggled during a rough 1-4 stretch for USC. Despite his departure, Moss expressed pride in his USC journey and is focused on continuing his development at the next level.

Miller Moss Enters Transfer Portal: Quick Looks

Reason for Transfer: Moss lost his starting position to Jayden Maiava in early November.
Performance: Moss threw for 2,555 yards, 18 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 2023.
Career at USC: Backed up Caleb Williams for two seasons before starting in 2023.
Future Plans: Moss, a graduate, is seeking opportunities as both a quarterback and leader.
USC Season: The Trojans, 6-6, are headed to a lower-tier bowl game.

Deep Look

Miller Moss Looks Ahead After USC Journey

Southern California quarterback Miller Moss has decided to enter the transfer portal, a move announced on social media Monday. The decision comes after Moss lost the starting job to freshman Jayden Maiava in November, capping a roller-coaster journey with the Trojans that began as a lifelong dream for the Los Angeles native.

Moss expressed his gratitude for his time at USC in an emotional farewell post.

“Being a USC Trojan was a lifelong dream of mine,” Moss wrote. “I poured everything I have into this — body, heart, mind, and soul — and am humbled by and proud of what my teammates and I accomplished.”

Rise to Starter and Struggles This Season

Moss started the Trojans’ first nine games this season after earning the role vacated by Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. Moss, a traditional pocket passer, displayed flashes of brilliance, including a 378-yard, three-touchdown performance in USC’s season-opening win against LSU.

Over the season, Moss completed 64.4% of his passes for 2,555 yards, 18 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. However, the Trojans’ offense faltered during a midseason slump. USC went 1-4 in Moss’s final five starts, during which he threw seven interceptions and struggled to deliver game-changing performances.

While Moss showed competence as a passer, his lack of mobility contrasted with the dual-threat capabilities preferred by head coach Lincoln Riley in his spread offense. This discrepancy likely contributed to Riley’s decision to replace Moss with Maiava, who brought an added dimension to the Trojans’ attack.

Moss’s Legacy at USC

Moss joined USC as a highly regarded recruit from Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, committing to the Trojans before Riley took over as head coach. Despite the arrival of Caleb Williams, Moss stayed loyal to the program and served as Williams’ backup for two seasons.

Moss’s perseverance paid off when he earned the starting role in 2023. He led the Trojans to a thrilling Holiday Bowl victory last year, throwing six touchdown passes in that game.

“Putting on the cardinal and gold and competing on behalf of my teammates and school is something I will forever take pride in,” Moss reflected in his statement.

Future Prospects

Moss has already graduated from USC, entering the transfer portal as a graduate student eligible to play immediately. In his announcement, he emphasized his commitment to growth.

“Looking towards the future, I’m unwaveringly committed to becoming an even better quarterback and leader,” Moss wrote. “I aim to achieve this at the next level.”

His experience as a starter at a marquee program and his graduation status make him an attractive option for teams seeking a seasoned quarterback with a solid pocket-passing skill set.

Challenges for USC

The Trojans, now at 6-6, are preparing for a lower-tier bowl game to close their third season under Riley. The year has been marked by inconsistency, with USC failing to deliver on preseason expectations.

Moss’s departure underscores the team’s need to solidify its quarterback room, particularly as Maiava gains more experience. Meanwhile, Riley’s spread offense will continue to prioritize mobility and versatility at the quarterback position.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Moss

Miller Moss’s decision to transfer marks the end of a memorable chapter at USC and the beginning of a new opportunity to continue his football career. His journey from backup to starter highlights his resilience and dedication, qualities that will serve him well at his next destination.

As Moss leaves the cardinal and gold behind, the Trojans must prepare for a future without the quarterback who dreamed of representing USC since childhood.