USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams. Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Williams makes decision on USC’s bowl game

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated 12/4/23

Caleb Williams has made a major decision on his future.

USC head coach Lincoln Riley told reporters on Monday that Williams will not play when the Trojans face Louisville in the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl on Dec. 27. That is a clear indication that Williams will declare for the 2024 NFL Draft, which has been the expectation all along.

Caleb Williams will not play in the Holiday Bowl, Lincoln Riley says.

That basically confirms what we already anticipated about Caleb Williams and declaring for the NFL draft.

— Ryan Kartje (@Ryan_Kartje) December 4, 2023

Williams’ career at USC did not end the way he had hoped it would. The Trojans lost three straight to finish the regular season and five of their last six. They were viewed as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender after beginning the year 6-0.

While he still had an impressive statistical season with 3,633 passing yards, 41 total touchdowns and just five interceptions, there were some moments late in the year that led to Williams being criticized. The most recent one came after USC lost to rival UCLA.

Williams is still projected by most to be the first player taken in the 2024 draft. It makes sense for him to not risk an injury by playing in the Holiday Bowl.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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