USC Trojans Quarterback Caleb Williams Named Semifinalist for Major College Football Award
Even though his potential as a championship-caliber quarterback will likely never be met in his college career, Caleb Williams is a truly special athlete whose legacy shouldn't be overshadowed by the subpar defenses that accompanied him throughout his time at USC.
This season, Williams has thrown for 29 touchdowns and four interceptions, adding 156 yards (including yards lost to sacks) and 11 touchdowns on the ground. Without Williams, there is no telling what USC's record could have been with a defense that has been dominated by opposing offenses game after game.
While his shot at winning the Heisman Trophy is likely out of reach, Williams was named as a finalist for the Maxwell Award, which is presented to the best player in college football. Williams was named the Maxwell winner after his Heisman-winning campaign in the 2022 season.
Williams and the Trojans are preparing to face UCLA on Saturday in a game that could be Williams' last as a collegiate athlete should he choose to forego whatever bowl game USC lands in. As the overwhelming favorite to be the first overall selection in the NFL Draft, Williams could choose to follow the path that many first-rounders have taken and skip out on the postseason now that the Pac-12 Championship and College Football Playoff are out of reach.
Oregon quarterback Bo Nix is currently the favorite to win the Heisman, meaning Williams will likely join the ranks of legendary Heisman winners who have failed to repeat the following season. Only Ohio State's Archie Griffin (1974 and 1975) has won multiple Heisman Trophy awards.
The Trojans will face UCLA Saturday at 12:30 p.m. PST in their final game of the regular season.
