Caleb Williams Shares his Recruiting Pitch to USC's Transfer Targets
USC brought in nearly two dozen transfers last offseason as head coach Lincoln Riley was in win-now mode from the second he stepped into his office at the John McKay Center. The Trojans likely won’t be quite as active with players in the transfer portal this offseason, but they will definitely be involved there again.
USC quarterback Caleb Williams spent the last week front and center of the college football world while winning the 2022 Heisman Trophy. During a press conference with local media on Thursday, the sophomore quarterback agreed that players looking at USC as a potential destination “might listen a little more,” now that his name is on that bronze statue.
USC did a lot of its transfer portal recruiting last offseason before Williams officially joined the Trojans. Certainly, he helped in the pursuit of standout wide receiver Jordan Addison and other players who transferred after spring ball. This year, the Trojans will be able to lean on Williams through both transfer windows to pitch prospective transfers.
But what Williams tells players looking at USC isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
“I shoot it to them straight,” Williams said. “I say, ‘If you’re not coming here and focused on our team goals, don’t come.'”
Williams is a leader in this new age of NIL. He’s done very well for himself with endorsements and partnerships. But he’s as team-first as star quarterbacks get in college football. He was voted a team captain. He’s a leader in the locker room. And he puts team goals above absolutely any individual honor. Even during his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech, Williams bemoaned the fact that he wasn’t going with his team to the College Football Playoff.
His pitch to transfers maintains that same team-first mentality throughout.
“Offensive linemen, wide receiver, offensive-wise, if you want to come play with a good group of guys, come on and let’s work,” Williams said. “If you’re not coming to work. If you’re not coming to reach our team goal at the end of the year in January, then don’t come join.”
USC in the 2023 Transfer Portal
USC has already landed three commitments from players who went into the transfer portal this offseason.
Former Arizona State punter Eddie Cziplicki was the first to announce his commitment. The First-Team All-Pac-12 performer will have a chance to step in as the starting punter. He could potentially handle kickoffs for the Trojans next fall as well.
Former Georgia State linebacker Jamil Muhammad showed promise as a pass rusher the past several seasons. He could have some positional versatility as an inside linebacker or rush end. Wherever he wins up, he helps fill a major need for USC in getting after the quarterback.
And former Arizona defensive lineman Kyon Barrs announced his commitment to USC earlier this week. The Trojans likely need to add multiple transfers along the defensive line this offseason. The former Second-Team All-Pac-12 performer is a good start there.
