Caleb Williams reveals the origins of his Heisman Trophy aspirations

In a scintillating performance in a win over then-No. 15 Notre Dame this weekend, USC quarterback Caleb Williams might have realized a long-held childhood dream: his Heisman Trophy aspirations.

He is now the overwhelming favorite to take home college football’s top award.

“I started to actually learn about the Heisman probably around 10, 11, 12 years old,” Williams said this week ahead of the Pac-12 Championship Game against Utah. “It’s been a goal of mine, because I think I’m the best and that’s one of the trophies that kind of represents that.”

Williams has gone 268-of-407 passing for 3,712 yards and 34 touchdowns, while throwing just three interceptions this season. He’s also run for 351 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Only one player in the country has been responsible for more points than the 264 Williams has been a part of this season (Western Kentucky‘s Austin Reed, 272). Williams ranks fifth nationally in total yards per game and eighth nationally in passing yards per game.

The Heisman Trophy for Caleb Williams seems almost sewn up

Caleb Williams’ Heisman Trophy dreams will still have to survive a tough Pac-12 Championship Game against Utah.

But the end is in sight. Williams spoke this week about how he viewed the award growing up.

“When I was a little kid it was really all about just going out there and having fun,” he said. “It’s kind of the same now. I just know a little bit more, better coaches and things like that, better teammates and all of that.”

What’s clear, though, is that Williams expects to win. It’s the mentality he plays with that has made him one of college football’s top stars.

“There’s a certain confidence, but not necessarily focused on that since I’ve been in college,” he said. “It’s more I want to go to the playoffs, I want to go win championships with the team that I’m with.”