USC's Williams won't play in Holiday Bowl

Caleb Williams won't play in USC's Holiday Bowl matchup against Louisville, head coach Lincoln Riley said Monday, according to ESPN's Paolo Uggetti.

Williams is widely expected to be one of the first picks in the 2024 NFL Draft if he declares. The deadline for underclassmen to declare is Jan. 15.

The signal-caller threw for 3,633 yards and 30 touchdowns against five interceptions this season. Williams' production didn't quite match his jaw-dropping 2022 Heisman-winning numbers, but USC's offense still averaged 41.8 points per game - good for fourth in the country.

Despite its prolific offensive production, the program went 7-5 this season thanks to the defense surrendering 34.9 points per contest. That mark tied for 120th in the nation.

The Holiday Bowl kicks off Dec. 27 at Petco Park.