On Thursday September 15, 2025, college football analyst and legendary USC Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Matt Leinart shocked the football world when he posted that he believes both current USC quarterback Jayden Maiava and starting running back Waymond Jordan are Heisman Trophy candidates.
“I’ve never seen a Heisman race more turned upside down than this year’s,” Leinart wrote on X. “A couple names to keep an eye on with huge opportunities: Dante Moore (Oregon), Jayden Maiava (USC), Waymond Jordan (USC), Marcel Reed (Texas A&M), Josh Hoover (TCU).”
Leinart knows a little something about having a QB and RB that are both Heisman candidates on the same USC team. When he won the Heisman in 2004, he played with RB Reggie Bush, who won the Heisman in 2005.
In fact, Leinart also retweeted a post from USC fan account Arrogant Nation with a picture of Leinart and Bush which reads, “Gonna tell my kids this was Jayden Maiava and Waymond Jordan.”
Maiava has gained some traction in national Heisman conversations amid USC’s 4-0 start, especially after their 45-31 trouncing of Michigan State. He’s had a similar first four games to Caleb Williams in 2022 when he won the Heisman with USC.
But Waymond Jordan for the Heisman? That’s a truly hot take from Leinart. But could he be right?
Let’s break it down.
The Case For Waymond Jordan As A Heisman Candidate
Waymond Jordan is definitely one of the top running backs in the country. He’s currently 7th in the FBS in rushing yards with 443. He’s managed that total while being only 30th in the nation in rushing attempts with 57.
There are only two running backs with more yards than Jordan who are also averaging more yards per rush. Those backs are Justice Haynes of Michigan and Robert Henry Jr. of UTSA.
Also, for the first time under Lincoln Riley, USC is running the ball more than they are passing it this season.
Against Michigan State, Maiava attempted 26 passes, but USC ran the ball 40 times. That means USC ran the ball over 60% of the time.
If that volume continues to increase as the season goes on, Jordan could be the top rusher in the country by season’s end.
The Case Against Waymond Jordan As A Heisman Candidate
The biggest reason Waymond Jordan may not be a Heisman candidate is a former star running back he has been compared to many times: Ashton Jeanty.
Jeanty just had a generational season in 2024, rushing for 2,601 yards and amassing 30 total touchdowns. And yet, even he lost the Heisman Trophy to Travis Hunter.
It’s safe to say Jordan is not having a Jeanty-like season, and likely won’t. It would likely feel a little odd to voters to give a running back the Heisman that has had a significantly worse season than a non-Heisman winner did last season.
Also, USC’s backfield is really a two-headed monster. Jordan had 18 carries against Michigan State this past Saturday, and Eli Sanders had 16. Sanders is having a great season himself, with 250 yards and 3 total touchdowns so far.
Sanders and Jordan both playing a lot is what gives USC the best chance to win football games, no doubt. But it’s not great for Jordan’s case for the Heisman trophy.
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon may even be a better pick for the Heisman trophy than Jordan. Lemon is fourth in the FBS with 438 receiving yards and has four total touchdowns on the season. His versatility as a receiver, kick returner and even a threat in the running game also gives him the versatility that voters often need to see in skill position players to vote for them for Heisman.
He leads ALL Power 4 conference players with 618 all-purpose yards. ✌️
I’m sure if you asked Jordan, though, he doesn’t care. He’d probably much rather USC just win, and he’d be the most supportive teammate if Maiava or Lemon got more Heisman consideration than him.
But what do you think, USC fans? Will any of these Trojans be a Heisman candidate by the end of the season?
USC Football Legend Thinks The Trojans Have 2 Heisman Candidates