Caleb Williams Joined the Media to Interview USC Teammate Brenden Rice at NFL Combine

The pair of ex-Trojans had a lighthearted moment amid the pre-draft pressure cooker.
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Former USC quarterback Caleb Williams: Heisman Trophy winner, presumptive first overall pick in next month’s NFL draft… and journalist?

On Friday, Williams followed in the footsteps of former Trojans quarterbacks-turned-talking heads Matt Leinart and Mark Sanchez, interviewing ex-USC wide receiver Brenden Rice during the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.

“Hey! How does it feel to be [Hall of Fame wide receiver] Jerry Rice’s son?” Williams yelled from the scrum of reporters assembled at Rice’s podium. “I have another question after that.”

“Man, it feels even better to be a teammate with Caleb Williams,” Rice quipped to laughs from the reporters assembled.

“Now, why should I draft you as a fantasy player? Should you be wide receiver one? Should you be the flex player?” Williams asked.

“I should be wide receiver one, man,” Rice replied.

Despite 2023 being a lackluster year for USC overall, both Williams and Rice thrived. Williams threw 30 touchdowns against five interceptions in 12 games, while Rice caught 45 passes for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns.


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Patrick Andres
PATRICK ANDRES

Patrick Andres is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He joined SI in December 2022, having worked for The Blade, Athlon Sports, Fear the Sword and Diamond Digest. Andres has covered everything from zero-attendance Big Ten basketball to a seven-overtime college football game. He is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism with a double major in history .