Prior to attending USC, Williams’ collegiate football career started with the Oklahoma Sooners. In his freshman season, Williams took over for then-Sooners quarterback Spencer Rattler in a rivalry game against the Texas Longhorns. After leading the Sooners to an improbable comeback in his first game of quarterback action, Williams has never looked back. He blossomed throughout the remainder of his one and only season at Oklahoma, taking the team to an Alamo Bowl victory as a freshman. 

Following his one-year stint at Oklahoma, Williams transferred to USC alongside then-Oklahoma Head Coach Lincoln Riley. Together, they worked to resurrect USC football after its poor 4-8 campaign in 2021.

In his first season in Los Angeles, Williams put his name on the map. He flourished in the starting role, leading the Trojans to a No. 4 ranking in Week 14 and a Pac-12 Championship appearance. For his efforts in 2022, Williams was named the Heisman Memorial Trophy winner. 

Despite an underwhelming 8-5 season in 2023 for the Trojans collectively, where they failed to contend for the playoffs, Williams was brilliant throughout. He threw 30 touchdowns to just 5 interceptions and completed over 68% of his passes.

Speculation on where Williams will land in the NFL is already underway. For franchises looking for a quarterback, Williams is a high-prized commodity. The Chicago Bears currently hold the first overall pick, followed by the Washington Commanders. The Bears will have a difficult decision to make. In 2021, they drafted their supposed franchise quarterback Justin Fields; however, after failing to send Chicago to the playoffs in three seasons, they may turn to the draft again. Wherever Williams ends up, his time in cardinal and gold will signify the genesis of a remarkable career for a generational football talent.