JD PicKell: USC primed to take next step toward CFP field in 2023

Is it now or never for USC in the College Football Playoffs? The Trojans have one more season before Caleb Williams leaves for the NFL, but what will they accomplish before then? On3’s JD PicKell has the answers, and revealed what a CFP win this season would mean for the program’s future.

“You’ve got the quarterback. I would sing that verse a little bit louder if I’m USC — I’ve got Caleb Williams for one more season in LA,” PicKell said. “Caleb Williams would likely be the No. 1 pick in the draft this year. … If you do not give him a defense, if you don’t get him something that can get him the Pac-12 Championship on that side of the ball, I think you’ve missed your window.

“If USC wins the Pac-12, if they win the College Football Playoffs, they could propel themselves in a whole different tier when they move to the Big Ten pretty soon. That would change the entire way we view USC football in the modern era. So for Caleb Williams and USC, it’s as simple as the defense.

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To PicKell’s point, it wasn’t Williams and the offense’s fault for losing the Cotton Bowl to Tulane. The Trojans’ defense surrendered 46 points while the offense fell just short at 45. Giving up over 40 points to a mid-major school is inexcusable for a team that was one win away from the CFP before bowl season.

Williams will be the best quarterback in the country next season and it isn’t up for debate. He’s already secured the Heisman Trophy, and is all-in on winning a championship with Lincoln Riley in LA.

There wouldn’t be a better way for him to leave USC than on top, but will make the to the Big Ten even more interesting coming off a national title. Winning it all transcends not just Williams’ efforts, but the future trajectory of the program.