Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams revealed he nearly transferred to UCLA Bruins instead of choosing USC Trojans during his college career.

In the ever-evolving world of college football, transfer stories are often intriguing, full of twists and turns that shape a player’s journey. One of the most captivating stories of recent years comes from the man who could soon lead the Chicago Bears to prominence—Caleb Williams. The former Heisman Trophy winner, widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, revealed that he almost transferred from Oklahoma to UCLA instead of choosing USC. This revelation has added another layer to Williams’ fascinating rise to stardom, offering a glimpse into the complex decision-making process behind one of the most talented quarterbacks of his generation.

A Journey to USC with Many Twists

Caleb Williams’ college football career has been marked by a series of high-profile moves and decisions, beginning with his freshman year at Oklahoma. The young quarterback entered the 2021 season with high expectations after being heralded as one of the most promising prospects in recent history. Under the tutelage of then-Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley, Williams quickly became a sensation, showcasing his powerful arm, mobility, and innate football intelligence. By the middle of his freshman season, Williams had solidified his position as one of the most exciting young talents in the country.

However, just as Williams was beginning to find his rhythm in Norman, a seismic shift occurred that would change the course of his career. Riley, after years of success with the Sooners, made a shocking move by leaving Oklahoma to become the head coach of the USC Trojans. This move was seismic not only for the program but also for Williams, who had to quickly adjust to the reality that his college football journey was about to take an unexpected turn.

For Williams, the transition was more than just a change of scenery. It represented the beginning of a pivotal decision: where would he continue his college career? The decision weighed heavily on the young quarterback, who had developed a strong relationship with Riley and viewed him as a mentor. USC, with its storied history and immense recruiting potential, immediately became the front-runner for his services. However, what many fans did not know at the time was that Williams had also been contemplating another potential landing spot: UCLA.

The UCLA Temptation

When Caleb Williams first entered the transfer portal, there was considerable speculation about his next move. The Los Angeles area offered two distinct options: UCLA, with its strong academic reputation and a football program on the rise, and USC, with its football pedigree, talented roster, and the allure of Riley’s offensive system. Williams, who had established himself as one of the most versatile and dynamic quarterbacks in the country at Oklahoma, was in the enviable position of choosing between two high-profile programs.

For a player like Williams, who had the potential to be the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the stakes were incredibly high. His decision needed to be calculated, weighing not only the football-related aspects of each program but also personal factors such as culture, support systems, and his long-term aspirations. UCLA, led by head coach Chip Kelly, had begun to build momentum under Kelly’s guidance, with an offense that was innovative and suited to Williams’ skill set. UCLA’s proximity to the NFL and the potential to lead a program on the rise may have been appealing to Williams, who had a clear vision of his future.

However, ultimately, Williams chose to follow Riley to USC, setting the stage for one of the most dynamic college football careers in recent memory. But the fact that Williams considered UCLA so seriously provides a fascinating look into his mindset at the time.

Why Did Williams Consider UCLA So Seriously?

There are several reasons why Caleb Williams considered UCLA as a potential destination, even when the allure of USC seemed to shine brightest. First and foremost, UCLA presented a unique blend of academic prestige and football potential. While USC is undoubtedly a powerhouse in college football, UCLA has historically been known for its academic excellence, and Williams, a student-athlete with aspirations beyond football, may have been drawn to the idea of balancing top-tier football with a world-class education.

Additionally, Chip Kelly’s offensive system at UCLA could have been appealing to Williams. Kelly, known for his high-tempo, up-tempo offense, has always prioritized creating mismatches and using athletic quarterbacks as dual threats. Williams, known for his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs, would have been a perfect fit for Kelly’s system, which thrives on pace and versatility. The Bruins had also shown signs of improvement, and Williams might have seen the potential to make a significant impact by leading the program to new heights.

Another factor to consider was the personal relationship Williams had developed with the UCLA coaching staff. As a high-profile recruit, Williams had been pursued by numerous top programs, and his decision to transfer was likely influenced by the rapport he had with various coaching staffs. Kelly’s reputation as an offensive mastermind might have played a role in convincing Williams that he could develop even further under his guidance. UCLA’s commitment to player development, particularly at the quarterback position, may have been another reason Williams found the program appealing.

The Draw of USC and Lincoln Riley

While UCLA was an option for Williams, the draw of USC was too strong to ignore. Lincoln Riley’s arrival at USC was one of the most significant coaching moves in recent college football history. Known for developing quarterbacks such as Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray into Heisman Trophy winners, Riley had built a reputation as one of the top offensive minds in the country. Williams had already thrived under Riley’s tutelage at Oklahoma, and the opportunity to reunite with his mentor at USC was too good to pass up.

USC offered the bright lights of Los Angeles, a brand-new state-of-the-art facility, and the chance to play in the prestigious Pac-12 Conference. The Trojans had the resources and infrastructure to not only develop Williams as a player but also help him grow into a potential No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Furthermore, USC’s ability to recruit top talent, including future NFL prospects, provided Williams with an opportunity to play with elite teammates, enhancing his chances of success.

From a football perspective, USC was the more obvious choice. Riley’s offensive system, coupled with USC’s status as a powerhouse in college football, made the Trojans an ideal fit for a quarterback like Williams, who wanted to play in a system that maximized his potential. As a result, Williams ultimately chose USC, where he would go on to break multiple records, win the Heisman Trophy, and cement his status as the top quarterback prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.

How the Decision Shaped Williams’ Career

Williams’ decision to transfer to USC was a career-defining moment. His time with the Trojans allowed him to showcase his full potential as a quarterback, proving that he could thrive under pressure, lead a high-powered offense, and elevate his game to the next level. During his time at USC, Williams displayed the poise and maturity of a seasoned veteran, playing in big games and handling the pressure of being the face of the program.

As a result of his performances, Williams quickly became a household name, and his stock skyrocketed. He led the Trojans to the top of the Pac-12 standings, earning multiple accolades along the way, including the Heisman Trophy and a consensus All-American selection. His ability to make all the throws, combined with his mobility and football IQ, made him a clear frontrunner to be the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Williams’ success at USC also had a significant impact on the landscape of college football. His presence elevated USC’s program back to national prominence, and his decision to play for the Trojans helped the team recruit top-tier talent, including future NFL stars. Williams’ leadership and consistency under center brought stability to USC, and his impressive numbers and high-level play on the field gave the program credibility.

The Bears’ Future with Caleb Williams

Now, as Caleb Williams prepares to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears find themselves in a position where they could very well be in the market for a quarterback of his caliber. The Bears, who have struggled with quarterback play in recent years, are in need of a player who can instantly elevate their offense and lead them to future success. Williams, with his proven track record, incredible upside, and leadership qualities, is the perfect candidate to take the Bears to new heights.

Given the state of the Bears’ current roster, the front office and coaching staff may view the 2025 draft as the perfect opportunity to find their franchise quarterback. Caleb Williams would give the Bears the stability, talent, and leadership they need to finally build a contender in the NFC North. Chicago, which has a strong defense and solid supporting cast, could become an immediate playoff contender with a quarterback of Williams’ caliber leading the way.