USC’s Caleb Williams Deflects Comparisons to Patrick Mahomes

There is little doubt that USC quarterback Caleb Williams is a generational talent.

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner threw for 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns to five interceptions a year ago as a sophomore, and followed it up with a 2023 debut against San Jose State that featured this highlight reel play in his 278-yard, four-touchdown performance.

Williams is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks off the board when the NFL draft rolls around next April, and his play style has harkened comparisons to Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes. While Williams is flattered by the comparisons, he’s undoubtedly keeping his focus on the task at hand at USC.

“He is the best player in the world,” Mahomes told Jason Reid of Andscape. “He does special things. His teammates love him. The man has two [Super Bowls]. So to be compared to someone like that … it’s a sense of respect. But it’s also irrelevant, ’cause I’m Caleb. Caleb Williams here at USC. I haven’t even won a [college] national championship yet.”

Williams, to his credit, has kept his focus on this season for USC, the school’s final year in the Pac-12. He and his teammates look to not only capture a conference title, but play for something greater this winter. Williams brushed off the noise surrounding the upcoming NFL draft, and has now deflected the comparisons to one of the greats in the game today at the professional level.

It’s full speed ahead for Williams and USC, as the next level (and all that comes with it) can wait.