USC’s Caleb Williams Says NFL Draft Is a ‘Game-Time Decision’

USC quarterback Caleb Williams is the projected No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

However, Williams is still contemplating his future move after the junior didn’t have the season he desired with the Trojans. Williams has until Jan. 15 to declare for next year’s draft.

But for now, the Trojans’ signal-caller told the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday that his NFL future remains a “game-time decision.” Williams threw for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions this season.

However, USC (7–5) lost five of its last six games after starting the ’23 season at 6–0. Although the ’23 campaign was not what the ’22 Heisman Trophy winner desired, he is using it as a “learning process” in all areas of his life.

“This was one of my most important years of playing football so far,” Williams told The Times. “I’ve never been in this situation, where I’m 7–5 and there are no playoff hopes at the end of the season. I’m dealing with it emotionally, dealing with it spiritually and physically. … I’ve had to have talks with [coach] Lincoln [Riley]—because obviously I haven’t been through it—or with my family members or people like that, just how to deal with this and lead, how to stay the same person I was before the season or after our first loss or second loss. So it was different. It was a learning process.”

After USC’s 52-42 loss to Washington on Nov. 4, Williams was overcome with emotion in the stands. Williams also elected to not speak to the media after the program’s 38–20 loss to UCLA on Nov. 18, a contest that was likely his last in a Trojans’ uniform, if he enter the draft.

Prior to this season, the 22-year-old won 11 games in each of his previous two seasons at Oklahoma in ’21 and USC in ’22.