USC Trojans Legacy: Former Quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Caleb Williams Shine in the NFL Playoffs
The USC Trojans have a history of producing talented quarterbacks who go on to succeed in the NFL. Two notable former Trojan quarterbacks currently making waves in the NFL are Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks and Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears. As the NFL playoffs approach, Darnold and Williams hold the top two seeds in the NFC, setting the stage for an exciting postseason.
Sam Darnold's journey with the USC Trojans began in 2015, where he redshirted his first season. He made his mark in 2016 when he took over as the starting quarterback in week 4, igniting the team's offense and leading them to a successful season. Darnold continued to excel in 2017, guiding USC to an 11-3 record and showcasing his skills as a dynamic quarterback with a strong arm and mobility.
After his time at USC, Darnold was selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. Despite facing challenges and moving between several teams, Darnold has persevered and earned the starting role with the Seattle Seahawks, where he has put up impressive numbers and secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Caleb Williams made a splash at USC after transferring from Oklahoma in 2022 to play under coach Lincoln Riley. With Riley's guidance, Williams flourished, winning the Heisman Trophy and becoming the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. His standout performances in 2022 and 2023 showcased his talent and potential as a top-tier quarterback.
In his rookie season with the Chicago Bears, Williams faced adversity due to coaching changes and a lack of consistency in play calling. Despite the challenges, Williams showed promise and resilience, setting the stage for future success in the NFL. As two former USC quarterbacks lead their respective teams in the NFC playoffs, the Trojans' legacy of producing top NFL talent continues to shine.