The other evening, as attention was focused on the CFP National Championship, Georgia Football welcomed a new addition from the transfer portal. This time, the Dawgs secured the former UNLV QB, Jayden Maiava. Maiava, who served as a redshirt freshman for the Rebels this past season, showcased his skills by throwing for 3,085 yards, 17 touchdowns, and ten interceptions, while also contributing 277 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii, Maiava played high school football in Henderson, Nevada, where he earned a three-star prospect rating and later chose UNLV. In 2022, Maiava was redshirted before becoming a starter for a successful UNLV team. Despite contemplating a transfer after the regular season, he officially entered the portal on January 2.
Some Georgia fans expressed confusion over the addition of another quarterback, especially with Carson Beck returning for the 2024 season. However, Kirby Smart has emphasized the importance of having four quarterbacks on the roster, and Maiava’s inclusion achieves that goal.
While acknowledging limited knowledge about Maiava and UNLV football, the general impression is that Maiava performed well for the Rebels. His decision to leave a starting position at UNLV for a potential backup role at Georgia is puzzling, but Maiava’s talent has undoubtedly pleased many fans.
This development raises questions about Gunner Stockton’s future with the Dawgs. The competition for the second spot on the QB depth chart, involving Ryan Puglisi, Stockton, and Maiava, will be intriguing to follow during spring and fall practices. These quarterbacks will position themselves for a potential starting role in the 2025 season.
Lastly, Kirby Smart’s adept roster management, especially in navigating the challenges posed by N.I.L. and the transfer portal, deserves recognition. Smart’s ability to retain top talent and sustain the program’s success has played a pivotal role in securing two national titles and establishing him as one of the country’s premier coaches in the evolving landscape of college football.