USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams is the projected top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

NFL has significant presence at USC-Colorado

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 9/30/23

USC-Colorado is the hottest ticket for Week 5 of the college football season, no more so than among NFL scouts.

Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, 21 teams are represented at USC-Colorado with 30 scouts in attendance.

There's 30 NFL scouts from 21 teams in Boulder today for USC/Colorado. Caleb Williams projects No. 1 overall and Shedeur Sanders has scouts intrigued with his hot start. We have a sit down coming up on @CollegeGameDay with Williams, the returning Heisman winner.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 30, 2023

Associated Press No. 5 USC is led by the likely first overall pick in the 2024 draft, Caleb Williams. Last year's Heisman winner is 75-of-101 (74.3 percent) for 1,200 yards, 18 total touchdowns and no interceptions this season.

Widely viewed as the No. 1 prospect in 2024, Williams raised the possibility twice recently that he could remain at college next season. If his options are to stay in Southern California or be the next quarterback ruined by the Chicago Bears, he should stay.

Meanwhile, Colorado (3-1) is led by quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who's increased his draft stock arguably more than any other quarterback through the first month of the season. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. lists him at No. 5 on his 2024 big board after not naming him in his preseason list.

Through four games, he's 130-of-169 (76.9 percent) for 1,410 yards, 12 total touchdowns and one interception.

Trojans safety Calen Bullock is another highly regarded NFL prospect. He led USC with five interceptions last season and has eight in 30 career games.

With so much talent on the field, particularly at quarterback, it's obvious why the NFL would be attracted to USC-Colorado. The biggest surprise is that there are only 21 teams in attendance.

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