JD PicKell: Predicting Caleb Williams’ level of success at USC

In a recent episode of the Hard Count, On3’s JD PicKell relived some of the best storylines from the college football offseason involving the transfer portal. One of the most polarizing positions in football, quarterback, also saw some of the most movement in the portal. And one of the players that was on the move was former Oklahoma Sooners freshman phenom Caleb Williams.

Williams left Oklahoma to join his head coach Lincoln Riley at USC, which will significantly impact his career. But is this the right move for him? According to PicKell, statistically speaking, it definitely is or will be by season end.

“Caleb Williams transferred from Oklahoma to USC, and I think he’s going to put up ridiculous numbers. I mean, he will have a video game-like kind of season statistically at USC,” said PicKell. “…In terms of just what Caleb Williams is going to do, I think you gotta put him at a 9 out of 10 heading into 2022. Because, with all the firepower they have on this offense, show me the reservation you would have about Caleb Williams going to New York City.”

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If Trojan fans have questions about their new star quarterback’s trajectory, PicKell believes there is nothing to worry about with the offense in his hands. Not only that, but he sees Williams brushing elbows with the best in college football in New York at the end of the season.

Williams to New York?

Williams’s journey to the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York will be a simple one if he can do one thing: get the ball out of his hands and into the hands of the plethora of playmakers he has.

“The firepower they have in this offense. Look across the border, these receivers. Brenden Rice from Colorado, Mario Williams from Oklahoma, Jordan Addison, the best receiver in the country year ago, coming from Pitt; Travis Dye is a 1000 yards rusher in the Pac 12. They have so many playmakers on this offense to where Caleb Williams’s job is really easy; get the ball to those dudes.
I think his second year under Lincoln Riley is going to be really strong. And I think, let’s call it what it is, the lesser competition in the PAC 12 is going to make for big-time numbers for him. He’s going to have a phenomenal year.”

There’s no denying that Williams has the ability to have a monster season at USC and maybe even break a few records. But he will have to show some growth regarding his decision-making, which was a bit of an issue last season. If he can do that, he can quickly propel the Trojans to the top of the Pac 12 rankings and possibly all of college football.