Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs have successfully secured one of the premier quarterback prospects from the transfer portal. After deliberating between Georgia and USC, former UNLV quarterback Jayden Maiava, armed with three years of eligibility, ultimately chose to join the Bulldogs. In an announcement made on Monday, Maiava disclosed his decision to embark on the next phase of his college football journey in Athens.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 220 pounds, Maiava is set to rejoin campus on Tuesday, aligning himself with the SEC powerhouse. Expressing his motivation, Maiava emphasized his desire to compete at the highest level and contribute his skills to the Bulldogs. Following a standout redshirt freshman season at UNLV, where he amassed 3,085 passing yards and 17 touchdowns, Maiava credits the coaching staff, particularly Barry Odom, for preparing him for the transition to the SEC.
In a competitive choice between the Bulldogs and Trojans, Georgia’s culture stood out to Maiava, citing its family-oriented atmosphere and close-knit coaching staff. Maiava aims to challenge returning starting quarterback Carson Beck in the upcoming spring, recognizing it as a valuable opportunity to learn from Beck’s accomplishments during his impressive first year as a starter.
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Maiava acknowledges the tough decision-making process and underscores the importance of facing strong competition to improve. He expresses enthusiasm about working under the guidance of head coach Kirby Smart and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, emphasizing the close relationship between the two coaches.
Having redshirted during his true freshman season in 2022, Maiava brings his experience as a three-star prospect from Henderson (Nev.) Liberty. Georgia’s robust recruiting efforts, including the addition of top talent from the high school and transfer portal classes, further solidify the team’s roster. Maiava is positioned as the portal’s 18th-ranked quarterback and the 120th prospect overall, according to 247Sports.