USC star QB Caleb Williams officially enters 2024 NFL Draft as potential No. 1 overall pick

USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams made waves in the collegiate football circuit, dazzling fans with his extraordinary athleticism. His 2022 Heisman triumph solidified his status as college football’s must-watch quarterback. Throughout the 2023 season, the spotlight continued to illuminate the young star.

However, fate took an unexpected turn when the Trojans suffered a setback against Oregon State in their last game, dashing their hopes for a title. Despite Williams’ valiant efforts, the team fell short, and ended their championship aspirations. As speculation swirled about Williams’ future, he put an end to the rumors by declaring for the coming NFL Draft.

Caleb Williams enters 2024 NFL draft

Caleb Williams revealed his decision to forgo his remaining college football eligibility and enter the highly anticipated 2024 NFL Draft. The news was initially reported by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. It was later confirmed by Williams himself through a heartfelt social media post.

“Since I was 10, all I ever wanted to do was to play football. The journey would be empty without the people who have supported and loved me. I will Fight On forever and rep Hornsdown4Life. I’m ready to do whatever it takes. I am officially declaring for the NFL Draft”, Williams wrote.

Turning 22 in November, Williams is not just another college quarterback making the leap to the NFL. He is viewed by many as a potential franchise quarterback. The signal-caller’s exceptional athleticism has garnered attention, making him a promising prospect for teams seeking a dynamic leader on the field.

The QB’s impressive achievements include winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy at USC in 2022. Despite USC’s struggle in the 2023 season, he completed 68.6% of his passes for 3,633 yards throughout 12 games.

Throughout his college career, which includes his freshman year at Oklahoma, Williams compiled impressive statistics. His tally boasts 93 touchdown passes for a mere 14 interceptions along with an impressive 10,082 yards over three seasons.

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes turn to the Chicago Bears, who possess the coveted first overall pick acquired from the Carolina Panthers. The Bears face a crucial decision regarding the future of current quarterback Justin Fields, albeit fans claimed to retain him in the upcoming season as well.

Did Caleb Williams ask the Bears to trade the no.1 pick?

Ahead of declaring his draft, Caleb Williams found himself at the center of a peculiar claim. A user named Wesley Steinberg on social media platform X was the person behind it. The self-proclaimed New York Giants insider asserted that Williams was seeking assurances from the Chicago Bears about trading the coveted first overall pick before declaring for the NFL draft.

“BREAKING: USC QB Caleb Williams wants assurances the #Bears will be trading the first overall pick before declaring for the draft. Williams and his camp have no interest in playing in Chicago”, he wrote.

However, a closer look reveals that the rumor lacks credibility, and it appears to be a deliberate attempt to tarnish the USC star’s reputation. The source is not a known authority on football matters, and the absence of concrete evidence adds skepticism to the claim.

While debunking the rumor, it is worth noting that the young star has faced challenges leading up to the draft. Following his team’s loss to UCLA, he declined to speak to the media. Opting for silence in defeat can have repercussions on a player’s image and perceived leadership qualities.

Besides that, reports suggest that Caleb Williams was seeking partial ownership of the team that drafts him in the upcoming year. This has drawn criticism and comparisons to similar demands made by other players. One such comparison involves the New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Before his trade to Gang Green, he also sought partial ownership of his future team but failed in the attempt.