An opportunity at the Big House only comes once, if ever, in a college career. USC signal-caller Miller Moss finds himself at a crucial juncture to not only elevate the Trojans in the polls but raise his NFL draft stock.
With the 2025 NFL Draft still on the distant horizon, Moss has a golden opportunity to catapult himself into the upper echelon of the quarterback class with a headlining performance against the Michigan Wolverines. This is a matchup in the new-look Big Ten that will hold massive weight when it comes time to decide the CFP later in the winter. For Moss, this game isn't just another notch on the schedule, it's a potential launching pad to national recognition.
Moss has shown glimpses of his potential since stepping onto the USC campus. Despite not earning starters’ reps from day one, he demonstrated many of the traits NFL teams covet in a pro-style quarterback. His ability to read defenses pre-snap, make adjustments at the line of scrimmage, and deliver accurate throws under pressure have been key components of his skill set. However, before this fall, said traits have largely been showcased in limited action or against lesser competition.
Take his performance against Louisville in the Holiday Bowl for example. In what was a historic day for Moss after throwing a game-record six touchdown passes, it was only a curious flash in the pan as to the type of quarterback Moss could be when provided a full allotment of snaps. Was it a fluke? Or was it a glimpse of what’s to come for USC post-Caleb Williams? It’s a question that was asked all spring long that now has a chance to be answered against Michigan, on one of the grandest stages of ‘em all.
A defense known for its discipline, physicality, and NFL-caliber talent, the Michigan unit under Wink Martindale will test Moss in ways he hasn’t been tested before. He'll face a pass rush that will challenge his pocket presence and decision-making speed. The Wolverines' secondary, led by Will Johnson, will test his accuracy, timing, and ability to read complex coverage rotations. In all, success against such a defense would not only elevate his status within the college football landscape but also serve as a powerful indicator that he can handle the rigors of not only competing but succeeding at the next level.
Physically, Moss has the tools that qualify him as an intriguing prospect. At 6-foot-2, he possesses prototypical size. His arm talent is more than adequate to make all the necessary throws, and he has shown an ability to deliver the ball with both velocity and touch. Against Michigan, however, it’ll take much more to succeed than ‘traits.’ He’ll need to have the ability to move the sticks on high-leverage downs and identify space to exploit in certain coverages while leading the Trojans in an environment matched by few stadiums in the world of sports.
A key aspect of Moss's game that will be tested is his poise within chaos. Michigan's defensive front has historically been adept at creating chaos in the backfield, and they will undoubtedly bring a relentless pass rush to disrupt Moss's rhythm in the form of Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, two projected first-rounders. His ability to remain cool under fire will quickly rear its head early in the ballgame.
Within the Lincoln Riley-led USC offense—an architecture designed to maximize a quarterback's strengths—expect the head coach to get Moss’ feet wet early. With a mixture of screens and rhythm throws, a horizontal raid could be expected before Moss ever really opens it up vertically. Play-action will also keep Michigan’s defense honest should USC get the ground game going, as well. The easiest way—in retrospect—to slow down a fast defense is with quick game through the air and an ability to succeed on the ground, two facets of the game USC simply must execute if they eye a win.
In all, Moss will enter Ann Arbor with a prime opportunity to elevate his status within the 2025 quarterback class. By showcasing his mental acuity, physical tools, and poise under pressure, the Mission Hills, California native can begin to make a compelling case for himself as one of the top signal-callers in the class.
With no Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, or Drake Maye in this year’s crop, success against a defense as talented and well-coached as Michigan's would serve as a definitive statement toward his readiness for the next level. For Moss, Week 4 is much more than just a matchup on the schedule—it's a potential turning point in his career trajectory.
