The Moment That Proves Caleb Williams Was Built For The NFL Playoffs

Former USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams has punched his ticket to the playoffs with the Chicago Bears, the team's first trip to the postseason since 2020.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) high fives fans after their game Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Bears beat the Green Bay Packers 22-16 in overtime. | Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Former USC quarterback Caleb Williams has been an all-time signal-caller for the Chicago Bears this season, especially under the leadership of first year head coach Ben Johnson.

Williams and the Bears are 11-4 and officially booked their ticket to the playoffs after the comeback win over the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions' loss in week 16.

Caleb Williams Won Big In Comeback Win Over Green Bay

Dec 14, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

The Bears' path to the playoffs clearafter pulling off a 22-16 win over the Packers. In the final minutes of the fourth quarter when Chicago was trailing Green Bay 16-9, the Bears recovered an onside kick with three minutes left. Williams put together an eight-play drive for 57 yards that resulted in a touchdown with just 24 seconds left, matching the Packers 16 points.

After an unsuccessful overtime drive from the Packers, it was up to Williams and the Bears offense to seal the deal and take home their 11th win. Then Williams did it, a 46-yard pass caught by wide receiver DJ Moore in the end zone to secure their first 11-4 record since the 2018 season.

These throws from Caleb Williams are insane! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/0wRPb2uYUa

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 24, 2025

Williams is just in his second season in the NFL and has been one of the top quarterbacks of his draft class, alongside others like New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.

In his first season, Williams recorded 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions, just on the cusp of becoming the first Bears quarterback to hit 4,000 receiving yards in a season. In his second season, William has thrown for 3,400 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions en route to leading the Bears to 11 wins.

Williams Brought Success To South Central Under Lincoln Riley

Apr 15, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) and head coach Lincoln Riley watch the game from the sideline during the Spring Game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

What makes coach Lincoln Riley one of the most influential college football coaches is his resume developing multiple Heisman Trophy winners. Williams was Riley's most recent quarterback to win the prestigious award during the pair's first season at USC.

When Riley was announced as head coach at USC, the revolution brought some of Oklahoma's strongest players like Williams. In year one, Williams immediately made an impact on the Trojans offense. USC finished 11-2 in the regular season, and Williams notched 4,537 passing yards 42 touchdowns and five interceptions. Following the 2023 season, Williams went on as the No. 1 overall draft pick.

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Especially in the beginning years of Riley's tenure at USC, Williams help set the standard and rejuvenated the west coast dominance the Trojans are known for. While Williams talent sets him apart from the rest, his standard instills the kind of program USC can be with elite talent.

Williams and Bears Back In Playoffs Since 2020

Dec 14, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson walks along the sideline during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

Chicago's playoff berth was clinched following the Lions loss to the Steelers, which marks their first since the 2020 season, but their run was cut short with a 21-9 loss to former NFL quarterback Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.

Having a coach like Johnson and quarterback like Williams playing some of the best football in the NFL, the Bears' playoff run could be one to remember. However, Chicago will have to continue their momentum when they face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Dec. 28. The 49ers have been an impressive story given the team's injuries, and they have officially clinched their playoff spot after their Monday Night Football win over the Indianapolis Colts.

The Bears currently sit at No. 2 in the NFC, and will be up to them to continue their historic turnaround season, and position themselves for a playoff run.