USC Football: Insider Seeks a Breakthrough Fall Camp for USC's True Freshman QB

What type of role will we see for USC's freshman QB?

Fall camp is now officially underway, Trojan fans. It is an exciting time for the team and university as USC plans to make their mark in 2023. It is a monumental year for the team, especially the likes of head coach Lincoln Riley and Heisman-winning QB Caleb Williams. 

The two will have a ton on their plate, and the team's success will hinge on what they do this upcoming season. Although we're all focused on this season, we know at the end of it, Williams will be heading off into the next chapter of his life, the NFL. 

By all indications, this will be Caleb's final season at USC, and the program will soon shift its focus on who will be the next USC QB. Luckily for USC, they have options at their disposal, including five-star incoming freshman Malachi Nelson. 

Nelson is listed as the third QB in the depth chart this upcoming season, but an impressive fall camp could build toward becoming the man under center in 2024, at least according to USC insider Connor Morrissette. 

He believes Nelson must have a great fall camp to set himself up to be the man for next fall. 

Williams will likely depart for the NFL Draft after this season and the Trojans will have a quarterback competition in 2024. As a five-star recruit, there is an expectation for Nelson to be the frontrunner to win the job next year. Even though it’s far away, a breakout fall camp would certainly help push him towards securing the position a year from now.

Nelson making this list also speaks to the talent of USC’s offense. There aren’t too many breakout candidates because so many of the impact players on that side of the ball have already broken out.

(via 247Sports)

As a prospect, Nelson was ranked 13th nationally, the number five QB, and number two in California, according to 247Sports. 

He committed to USC in 2021 and stayed loyal to them throughout. It would be nice for the program to reward him with the QB1 spot in 2024, but he must earn it. It won't be easy as redshirt sophomore QB Miller Moss is ahead of him and will fight tooth and nail for the position. 

However, Nelson could position himself well for next season, and it will all start in 2023. We're hoping for a great and healthy fall camp for the men of Troy. We cannot wait to see them in action.