USC Football: Has Lincoln Riley Cooled On This Caleb Williams Backup?

Where does USC go from here?

With USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams opting out of the team’s bowl game in a few weeks, he is likely headed to the NFL. Williams has been the signal-caller for the Trojans the past two seasons, holding down the job in an impressive way.

Now that he is out, the Trojans will need to find someone to take his place. They have plenty of options on the roster already, but the team could also look in the transfer portal for help as well.

Miller Moss was the backup for Williams this past season and could take the reigns, at least in the bowl game coming up. Or there is Malachi Nelson, who has been the third-string quarterback this year.

“Riley said he anticipated Moss, a redshirt sophomore, to “be in the mix no matter what happens” next season, but went on to add that the coaching staff will shop in the transfer portal for quarterbacks.”

Per Thuc Nhi Nguyen of The LA Times

It seems that Riley may have cooled things on Nelson with his comments on Moss. Nelson was the top recruit for the Trojans in 2023 but dealt with injuries all season long.

“It hasn’t necessarily been the smoothest of years,” Riley said, “and a lot of it [is] out of his control just trying to get back healthy where he can train and develop to the level that he wants to and we all want to. He’s certainly going to get there and certainly has a bright future.”

Per Thuc Nhi Nguyen of The LA Times

Moss has more experience playing in games, having played multiple times this season during blowouts. He threw for 309 yards and one touchdown this season during his limited playing time.

“I think he’s really improved as a player,” Riley said of Moss Monday. “I would have liked to have been able to play him a little bit more here in the last couple of years, but the opportunities that he has had, he’s played well and he’s moved us well.”

Per Thuc Nhi Nguyen of The LA Times

Nelson still has a lot of talent, but it could be hard for him to beat out Moss for the bowl game. He can use this summer to get healthy and improve his skills, and maybe he can win the job in camp.

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