After weeks of speculation, the future of Caleb Williams in football has finally been decided. The Southern California quarterback and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner announced on Monday that he will declare for the NFL Draft, solidifying his path to the professional football career he has been working towards. With his declaration, Williams expressed gratitude towards Oklahoma and USC fans, teammates, and coaches for his college career.
"Since I was 10, all I ever wanted to do was to play football. From the 5:30 am breakfast club workouts to the long nights watching film, through every win and every hard loss, my love and passion for the game never wavered. The gratitude I feel for the opportunity to play this game grows every day," Williams shared on Instagram. "I still have a lot to learn and I’m ready to do whatever it takes. As a kid, I said this is what I was going to do for the rest of my life, but I didn’t work this hard just to reach this point. I will continue my journey to make that little kid proud of the man I will be for many years to come. I’m excited for the future, and I am officially declaring for the NFL Draft."
There was much speculation surrounding Williams' decision whether to enter the NFL Draft following the conclusion of the Trojans' regular season. Widely expected to be the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it is anticipated that the Chicago Bears will claim Williams after acquiring the Carolina Panthers' first-round pick. However, there have been rumors that Williams may not be keen on playing in Chicago if the teams at the top of the draft order aren't a good fit for his talents.
Caleb Williams' college career has been nothing short of electrifying. Since his debut season at Oklahoma, where he led the Sooners to a comeback victory over their rival Texas, Williams has captivated audiences with his exceptional talent. Following coach Lincoln Riley to USC, he continued to shine in his first season with the Trojans. Williams' outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Heisman Trophy during the 2022 season, where he amassed 4,537 passing yards and 52 total touchdowns, setting a new USC record and leading the Trojans to an impressive 11-3 season that culminated in a Cotton Bowl appearance.
The 2023 season brought high expectations for Williams and his team. Although they started strong with a 6-0 record, the Trojans stumbled in the latter half of the season, losing five of their last six regular-season games. Ultimately, they finished the year at 7-5 and 5-4 in Pac-12 play. However, Williams continued to showcase his skill, throwing for 3,633 yards and scoring 41 total touchdowns in 12 games.
Now, with Williams firmly on the NFL Draft radar, all eyes are on the Chicago Bears to see if they will select him as the first overall pick or potentially trade it away for other assets.
Caleb Williams in action at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Caleb Williams' College Career
From his first season at Oklahoma, where he sparked an extraordinary comeback against Texas, to his remarkable success at USC, Caleb Williams has consistently thrilled fans with his remarkable talent and skill. Since joining the Trojans, Williams has been a force to be reckoned with, culminating in his winning of the illustrious Heisman Trophy in 2022.
Last season, Williams shattered records with 4,537 passing yards and 52 total touchdowns, paving the way for an impressive 11-3 season for USC and a memorable Cotton Bowl appearance. Despite high expectations for the 2023 season, the Trojans experienced some setbacks, finishing with a 7-5 record and a 5-4 standing in Pac-12 play. Nonetheless, Williams remained a standout performer, throwing for 3,633 yards and scoring 41 total touchdowns in 12 games.
Now, with his name officially in the draft, the focus shifts to the Chicago Bears and their decision on whether to use the first overall pick on the talented quarterback.
Caleb Williams donning the USC colors.
As Caleb Williams embarks on this new chapter in his football journey, fans and scouts eagerly await to witness his potential unfold in the NFL. With his exceptional talent, determination, and the experience gained from his successful college career, there is no doubt that Williams will make a significant impact at the professional level. The future is bright for this promising athlete, and the excitement surrounding his entry into the NFL Draft is palpable.
