[2] A three-star recruit, Maiava committed to play college football at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas over offers from Auburn, Louisville, and Tennessee.

[4] After an injury to Doug Brumfield against Vanderbilt, Maiava led UNLV to a comeback victory, throwing for 261 yards and combining for two touchdowns.

[7] After finishing the regular season passing for 2,626 yards and 14 touchdowns, Maiava was named the Mountain West Freshman of the Year and to the all-conference second team.

[17][18] In his first start with the Trojans against Nebraska, he threw for 249 yards and totaled four touchdowns, three passing and one rushing, leading USC to a 28–20 victory.

[19][20] In the 2024 Las Vegas Bowl, Maiava threw for 295 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions, leading the Trojans to a 35–31 comeback victory.