Months of speculation came to an end Monday when USC quarterback Caleb Williams declared for the NFL Draft with hours to go before the deadline.
Williams, who is believed by many to be the frontrunner to be taken first overall in April’s draft, had been the subject of rumors for months, with some suggesting he would return to USC for his senior season.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network had the news first.
Sources: #USC star QB Caleb Williams, a potential No. 1 overall selection, is declaring for entry into the NFL Draft. No surprise for one of the most talented prospects.
The Heisman trophy winner enters the process excited for whoever ends up selecting him. pic.twitter.com/cKnBzXAFRH— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 15, 2024
“Sources: [USC] star QB Caleb Williams, a potential No. 1 overall selection, is declaring for entry into the NFL Draft. No surprise for one of the most talented prospects. The Heisman trophy winner enters the process excited for whoever ends up selecting him,” Rapoport posted to his X account, seemingly also indicating that Williams will not seek a trade if he doesn’t like the situation that the team picking first is presenting to him.
Williams started his college career with the Oklahoma Sooners, going 5-2 in his seven games started after winning the job from Spencer Rattler. He finished the year with 21 touchdowns and four interceptions. It seemed like Williams would factor into Oklahoma’s long-term plans, but when Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley took the same position with the USC Trojans, Williams followed.
It was a great decision for Williams, who became USC’s first Heisman Trophy winner since Reggie Bush (2005) when he captured the 2022 Heisman. Williams led USC to an 11-3 season and set USC’s single-season passing yard record with 4,537. He also became the first player in school history to throw for more than 40 touchdowns, with a record-setting 42.
