Former UNLV quarterback Jayden Maiava has found a new home with one of the most powerful football programs in the country.
The reigning Mountain West Freshman of the Year committed to Georgia on Monday, joining a team that won back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 and came close to making the playoffs again this season.
Maiava took over as UNLV’s starter in Week 5 this season and helped steer the Scarlet and Gray to their first MWC title game and a spot in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl — the program’s first postseason appearance in 10 years. Operating in the go-go offense, Maiava completed 63.5% of his passes for 3,085 yards and 17 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.
At media day for the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, Maiava told reporters that he would return to UNLV for 2024. Eight days later he entered the transfer portal.
After visits to USC and Georgia, he made his decision on Monday, choosing the Bulldogs.
Georgia was the preseason No. 1 team and maintained that ranking all season, heading into the SEC championship game at 13-0. A loss to Alabama in that contest dropped them to No. 6 and out of the playoffs, ending their run at a third straight national championship.
It’s a big step up in competition for Maiava, who will have to fight for playing time with the Bulldogs. In addition to returning starter Carson Beck, who threw for 3,941 yards and 24 touchdowns as a junior, Georgia also has Gunner Stockton and Ryan Puglisi, who were top recruits in 2022 and 2024, respectively.
Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.
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