Williams could return to USC in 2024 if NFL landing spot 'not a good situation'

USC star quarterback Caleb Williams could remain in college instead of declaring to go pro if he doesn't like the situation of his NFL home next year.

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is considered the consensus choice to be the top overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Caleb's father, Carl Williams, said his son could play another year for the Trojans if they feel uncomfortable with the team that could select him in the draft.

"The funky thing about the NFL draft process is, he'd almost be better off not being drafted than being drafted first," Carl Williams told GQ's Sam Schube. "The system is completely backwards. The way the system is constructed, you go to the worst possible situation. The worst possible team, the worst organization in the league—because of their desire for parity—gets the first pick. So it's the gift and the curse.

"He's got two shots at the apple. So if there's not a good situation, the truth is, he can come back to school," he added.

The elder Williams says he spoke with USC head coach Lincoln Riley about other examples, such as his former pupils Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. He believes that both former No. 1 picks struggled significantly based on where they were drafted.

"The organization matters," Carl Williams said.

The Trojans star admitted that not be able to chose his destination in the NFL that the weirdest part of the the situation is "uncertainty."

"I've always been able to choose the team that I've played on," he said.

Williams previously said that he'll choose whether to enter the draft at the conclusion of the 2023 season, describing the moment as an in-the-moment decision.

The superstar passer has picked up where he left off in 2022, throwing for 597 yards, nine touchdowns and zero interceptions while completing 73.5% of his pass attempts through two games this season.