Caleb Williams will duplicate ‘wow factor’ with big season in 2023

USC quarterback Caleb Williams is a human firework. On3’s own JD Pickell believes the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner’s explosion will shine even brighter this year.

“Caleb Williams, in my mind, has that same wow factor playing quarterback for Southern Cal. And, how many times did we watch the USC game last year and Caleb Williams drops back, evades pressure, and it looks like he’s about to be sacked or it looks like this play is going to be dead, he’s gonna throw it away or something like that, and then he would just Houdini like scramble out of it, slither out of it, and either run for a first down or throw for a touchdown or whatever it was?” PicKell said.

To answer PicKell’s questions, we saw it a lot. Williams broke nearly every USC quarterback-related record last season. The 6-foot-1 QB holds the USC single-season record for total offense (4,919 yards), most touchdowns scored rushing and passing (52), passing completions (333) and most passing yards (4,537).

Fueled by Williams’ greatness, USC went 11-3 before ultimately falling to Tulane in the Cotton Bowl. Entering Year 2 of the Lincoln Riley Era at USC, Williams is slotted to be the Heisman favorite again. After all, he is dynamite on the field.

“He is always the most dynamic player on the football. Field and he’s your quarterback. Do you understand how ridiculous that is? How rare that is? I think we need to,” PicKell said.

Williams’ journey toward an even better season will be treacherous. USC’s final six games feature a trip to Notre Dame before hosting Utah the following week. Additionally, the Trojans will travel to Oregon before returning to LA for a rivalry matchup against UCLA for the final two regular season contests.

Facing a conference full of talented quarterbacks, Williams will have no shortage of opportunities to outshine other Heisman candidates. PicKell believes he’ll do just that.

“Having Caleb Williams in every single game will give you a chance. He’s the best player in college football. There might be a day where [USC] doesn’t have it, and he just takes over,” PicKell said.

The 21-year-old draft prospect will begin what is likely his final journey on Aug. 26, when the USC Trojans take on the San Jose State Spartans in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.