USC quarterback Caleb Williams entered the 2023 college football season projected to be the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and despite not quite matching his 2022 production still did enough to maintain that expectation. Will the Trojans’ dynamic passer live up to the hype?

Caleb Williams Scouting Report

Sep 2, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) throws the ball against the Nevada Wolf Pack in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Background

College: USC

Age: 22

Height: 6’1

Weight: 215

Awards: Heisman Trophy (2022), Maxwell Award (2022), Walter Camp Award (2022), AP College Football Player of the Year (2022), Unanimous All-American (2022), All-Pac-12 First Team (2022), All-Big 12 Second Team (2021)

Williams was a five-star recruit out of Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC. He was the second-ranked quarterback in the Class of 2021, behind Quinn Ewers. He initially committed to Oklahoma and as a true freshman he beat out preseason Heisman favorite Spencer Rattler for the Sooners’ starting job mid-season. Following the season he followed his head coach Lincoln Riley, who took the head coaching job at USC.

In his first full season as a starter Williams had a breakout sophomore year. He won a number of awards including the Heisman, Maxwell, Walter Camp, and was named a unanimous All-American. Williams had another impressive season in 2023 but shortcomings elsewhere on USC’s roster (they had the 121st-ranked defense) saw the team take a step back record-wise.

For more player breakdowns, scouting reports, and all things 2024 NFL Draft, check out the 98.5 The Sports Hub Draft Hub page. 

• Stats

  Passing

  Year	School	Conf	Class	G(S)	Cmp	Att	Pct	Yds	Y/A	TD	Int	Rate
  2021	Oklahoma	Big 12	FR	11(7)	136	211	64.5	1912	9.1	21	4	169.6
  2022	USC	Pac-12	SO	14(14)	333	500	66.6	4537	9.1	42	5	168.5
  2023	USC	Pac-12	JR	12(12)	266	388	68.6	3633	9.4	30	5	170.1
  Career				37(33)	735	1099	66.9	10082	9.2	93	14	169.3

  Rushing

  Year	School	Conf	Class	G	Att	Yds	Avg	TD
  2021	Oklahoma	Big 12	FR	11	79	442	5.6	6
  2022	USC	Pac-12	SO	14	113	382	3.4	10
  2023	USC	Pac-12	JR	12	97	142	1.5	11
  Career				37	289	966	3.3	27

  Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table

• Strengths

  — Can hit accurate throws to any part of the field

  — Excels out of structure, can still create big plays when protection breaks down

  — Sees the field well pre-snap

  — Quick release, with good zip on the ball when needed

  — Can be a threat with his legs, but doesn’t rely on his rushing ability to be effective

• Weaknesses

  — Footwork breaks down at times in the pocket

  — Too quick at times to go into ad-lib mode

  — Will hunt big plays when they’re not called for, tests some windows he shouldn’t

  — While elusive in the pocket, will hold the ball too long which leads to a lot of sacks

  — Relatively undersized compared to other top quarterbacks

• Video breakdown

• Player comparisons

  Ceiling: Patrick Mahomes

  Middle: Prime Russell Wilson

  Floor: More athletic Jameis Winston

• Bottom line

  Williams possesses all the traits teams look for in a modern quarterback. He’s the kind of QB that can instantly elevate an offense, but will need to do more in-structure at the next level. If put in the right situation and system he has a real chance to be a perennial MVP candidate.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].

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