Report: Surprising team pops up as landing spot for Caleb Williams

Out of nowhere, the quarterback carousel in college football was re-born on Monday afternoon. Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams shocked the nation by officially announcing his intention to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. Williams didn’t rule out a return to Oklahoma, but shortly after his announcement, former UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel flipped his commitment from UCLA to Oklahoma.

Gabriel was about to begin classes at UCLA, but now he is on his way to Norman to reunite with offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby. With the surprising moves from Williams and Gabriel, UCLA has reportedly emerged as a top landing spot for Williams, according to 247Sports’ Brandon Huffman.

“Multiple sources tell 247Sports that the Bruins are among the top early contenders for Williams,” Huffman wrote.

UCLA is losing starting quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and now Gabriel. That opens the door for UCLA making a serious run at landing Williams. According to Huffman, it didn’t take UCLA long to reach out to Williams after he entered the portal.

“On the UCLA side, sources say the Bruins reached out to the Williams camp immediately after he entered the portal,” Huffman added. “Interest was reciprocated and, as of Monday night, it’s enough to position the Bruins among the top contenders for the top transfer available.”

Williams entered the portal after changes to Oklahoma’s coaching staff

Former Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley’s move had had a lot of ripple effects, arguably none bigger than the news that dropped on Monday afternoon. Williams became a star for the Sooners this season, even unseating former Heisman favorite Spencer Rattler as Oklahoma’s starting quarterback.

Williams threw for 1,912 yards while adding 27 total touchdowns on the season. Oklahoma finished the year 11-2. But now, major changes are coming to Brent Venables’ roster with Gabriel now in at quarterback and Williams in the portal. But the decision for Williams wasn’t an easy one.

“As you all know, the sudden changes this season sent shockwaves through Sooner Nation and were really hard for the whole team,” Williams wrote. “… I think we all come to college to find our own path and prepare for the future. I came to Oklahoma with a game plan, but with all the recent changes, I need to figure out what is the right path for me moving forward.

“According to NCAA rules, as a student-athlete, the only way I can speak with other schools and see who many offer the best preparation and development for my future career is by entering the portal. Staying at OU will definitely be an option as I begin this process.”