Skip to main content

USC Football: Caleb Williams Shines, Outperforming Last Season's Stellar Start

Is a repeat season on the way?

Masterful in his sophomore campaign, USC QB Caleb Williams has already followed up with an even better start to his junior year through three games. 

From his Heisman-winning 2022, the Trojans quarterback has been better to start 2023 in what could spell yet another trophy to signify his status as one of college football's best-ever players. 

Though the increases are marginal at best, improvement in any sense from a sophomore who won the most prestigious honor in college football to a junior possibly gearing up for the NFL draft is an encouraging sign, at the very least. 

Scoring three more touchdowns compared to 2023 when accounting for his rushing, the improvements from Williams could spell a spot in the College Football Playoff by January. 

Unable to reach those heights last season, the Heisman Trophy winner hopes for redemption after falling in the Pac-12 Championship to lose a spot in the Rose Bowl and college football's version of the Final Four. 

Currently sitting fifth in the AP poll, all it would take for USC to find their way into the playoff is a consistent record on top of just one team ahead of them failing to do the same. 

Given how Alabama looked significantly vulnerable against currently third-ranked Texas, such a result would indicate that anyone is beatable this season. 

The Men of Troy have their work cut out for them in a conference showdown with Arizona State's Sun Devils this weekend, but Williams' improved play, along with more points at the same point in the season compared to last year, should mean business will be taken care of. 

It's a great start to the season for Williams and company, but Lincoln Riley's squad knows that the work has only just begun for 2023. 

Don't forget to join our community at LA Sports Report, where we celebrate all things Trojans!