After a remarkable Heisman Trophy-winning season in 2022, USC quarterback Caleb Williams emerged as the frontrunner for the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. His on-field prowess continued to shine in the 2023 season. Still, the question of whether he will declare for the NFL Draft remains unanswered due to recent statements from his father and Williams’ apparent reluctance to discuss his NFL future.
Williams’ father raised eyebrows when he hinted that his son might not enter the NFL Draft, potentially choosing to return to USC based on the team that secures the top pick. Rumors circulated that Williams might not want to play for the Arizona Cardinals if they secured the coveted first pick. However, when confronted with questions about his NFL plans, Williams remained tight-lipped, redirecting the conversation to USC’s upcoming game against Stanford.
“We’ve got Stanford this week, and that’s what I’ll be worried about,” Williams responded. “The game is three days out, so my main focus is to go out there against Stanford and not let my teammates down on Saturday.”
Williams’ avoidance of NFL-related inquiries is understandable, given the speculative nature of his father’s comments. Carl Williams revealed that he had spoken with USC’s head coach, Lincoln Riley, who had shared concerns about the NFL draft process. Riley pointed out that quarterbacks he had coached in the past struggled in the NFL, in part due to the teams that drafted them. This included Kyler Murray’s experience with the Arizona Cardinals.
The intriguing factor in Williams’ decision-making process is the potential influence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. While some speculate that NIL could play a role in Williams’ choice, experts like Paul Finebaum believe it’s unlikely to sway his decision significantly. Finebaum noted that the financial incentives for being the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft are substantial, potentially outweighing any NIL earnings.
Heather Dinich echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the desire to play in the NFL at the highest level and become the top pick is a compelling motivator, irrespective of financial considerations. Ultimately, the decision lies with Caleb Williams, and it encompasses both financial and personal aspects.
Amid these uncertainties, USC’s head coach, Lincoln Riley, weighed in on recent changes to the NCAA’s game clock management rules. Riley expressed his relative indifference to the updates, suggesting that while there might be minor impacts on the game, the changes won’t significantly alter the landscape of college football. USC’s high-tempo offense may be minimally affected, but Riley hinted at potential concerns about the rule changes shortening game durations, which could affect the sport in the long run.
Switching gears, Riley also praised USC receiver Tahj Washington for his selflessness and versatility. Despite facing coaching changes and competition from transfer receivers, Washington has consistently been a productive playmaker for USC. His ability to adapt to various roles, including special teams and blocking, has earned him respect from both teammates and coaches.
The news wasn’t all positive for USC, as Lincoln Riley announced the loss of senior offensive lineman Gino Quinones for the season due to a lower leg injury. Quinones played a crucial role in protecting quarterback Caleb Williams, and his absence will be felt by the team. Riley expressed confidence in other players stepping up to fill the gap.
Lastly, there is growing anticipation about Caleb Williams’ potential NFL future. Despite the uncertainty and the possibility of returning to USC for another season, many see him as a future franchise quarterback in the NFL. Williams’ exceptional skills, both on and off the field, make him a promising prospect. His consistency and leadership qualities make him an asset in any locker room, and scouts are closely watching his development as he takes on an expanded role within USC’s offense.
As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will continue to speculate about Caleb Williams’ NFL destiny, but for now, his focus remains on leading USC to victory on the gridiron. Regardless of the outcome, Williams’ journey from a Heisman Trophy winner to a potential NFL franchise quarterback is a story that captivates football enthusiasts around the nation.