USC football must capitalize on Caleb Williams’ final season

USC quarterback Caleb Williams is only a junior, but the upcoming season will likely be his last in college football. Last year’s reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Williams is the projected No. 1 pick in most 2024 NFL mock drafts and probably won’t pass on the chance to jump to the pros as soon as he can.

That in mind, the pressure is on the rest of the Trojans roster to make the most of the 2023 season. On3’s JD PicKell explained in a recent episode of The Hard Count why USC can’t let this opportunity slip through its fingers.

“USC is another team saying, ‘this is the year,'” PicKell began. “Everyone in Los Angeles is saying, ‘this better be the year because Caleb Williams is there for one more season.’ It’s no secret: Caleb Williams is gone to the league after this year. I don’t care how much eligibility he has. He’s gonna be the top pick taken in the draft. For USC, the task before them is can you make sure you don’t waste the opportunity of having Caleb Williams on your roster as your starting quarterback? If everything rode on Caleb Williams, if everything was place on his shoulders, he is a good enough quarterback to win a national title for you.”

Williams was spectacular last season as he finished with 4,537 yards passing, 42 touchdowns and five interceptions. Behind him, the Trojans ranked third in both points (41.4) and yards (506.6) per game.

However, the defense left much to be desired. USC finished 93rd with 29.9 points allowed per game in addition to ranking an abysmal 106th in total defense. It was a big part of the reason that the Trojans lost in both the Pac-12 Championship and Cotton Bowl, where they gave up a combined 93 points.

Trojans coach Lincoln Riley brought in several additions through the transfer portal, and the hope is that the team will look much more complete in 2023.

“The beautiful part about football is there is 10 others guys on that field and 11 other guys on your defense that have to do their job,” PicKell said. “Lincoln Riley went to the portal and got to work in there. They added some key pieces. Anthony Lucas from Texas A&M. Bear Alexander from Georgia on the defensive line. The defense last year (was) not up to par with what the offense was bringing. …The defense is not holding up their end of the bargain.

“The last thing you want to say as a USC fan is ‘man, that was awesome. We had Caleb Williams on our team for a little bit there. He won a Heisman Trophy.’ Heck, maybe he wins two Heisman Trophies. But you don’t wanna say, ‘he did so many good things’ and then they ask you about how your team did and you say ‘yeah, well the team wasn’t really up to par with Caleb Williams.’ Don’t tell that story.”

Riley’s inaugural season last year was by all means a success. Still, the Trojans ended with a bitter taste in their mouths after the loss in the conference title game cost them a chance at making the College Football Playoff.

With Williams back for one more go, however, they have the opportunity to make up for it this year. That journey begins Aug. 26 with a Week 0 matchup against San Jose State.

“This is what USC has built toward,” PicKell said. “A year like this and a roster like this where they can compete for a national title. It ain’t getting any easier. You’re going to the Big Ten in 2024 and the College Football Playoff expands in 2024. Right now, you’ve got the quarterback. You’ve got the path there for you in the Pac-12. This is your opportunity. This is the window for you. Make it happen. I understand you’ve got great quarterbacks on your roster. I believe Malachi Nelson’s gonna be phenomenal. But Caleb Williams is a one-of-one. Do not waste him in Los Angeles.”