From 2021 to 2023, Caleb Williams, formerly of the USC Trojans and Oklahoma football programs, was one of the best, if not the best, quarterback in college football. Williams won numerous awards at the college level, highlighted by hoisting the Heisman Trophy Award in 2022. Each season, he finished in the top ten in college football regarding passing efficiency rating and adjusted passing yards per attempt. Still, he ultimately never led his team to the College Football Playoff.
Williams shined as an individual player, throwing a ludicrous 93 touchdowns to 14 interceptions in his college career, but late-season shortcomings cratered any opportunity at competing for a national title. Regardless, the USC Trojans football program announced earlier this week that they will retire his jersey number, much to the confusion of college football fans.
College Football Fans Chuckle After USC Trojans Retire Caleb Williams’ Number
According to Jacob Infante of Windy City Gridiron:
#Bears QB Caleb Williams is having his No. 13 jersey retired by USC, the school announced. Legendary.
As customary for the USC Trojans, Williams will have his jersey retired, as does every Heisman Trophy Award winner in school history. Counting stats alone, Williams was a star at USC, throwing for 8,170 yards, 72 touchdowns, and just ten interceptions during his time with the then-Pac-12 power. Despite his unique and stellar performance as a quarterback, USC went 19-8 during his two seasons, including a 1-5 record in his final six games.
Although it is standard for Williams to have his jersey number retired following his USC career since he won the Heisman, college football fans were still perplexed by the decision. Not only did USC miss the College Football Playoff twice under Williams, but they did it dramatically. Williams registered a combined 9-7 record in October and November. Fans were quick to jump on USC and Williams on Twitter, making light of the situation:
lol for what?
— Mike Honcho (@mikehoncho313) September 5, 2024
The Caleb William’s one is for money/recruitment purposes. Playing to these kids’ egos. “Come play for us and we’ll make you a legend”
— hfts (@forthesp0rts) September 5, 2024
Dear everyone on college football Twitter,#USC did not just retire Reggie Bush's jersey. It's been retired the whole damn time.
And USC didn't just choose to retire Caleb Williams' jersey. He's a Heisman winner and all Heisman jerseys at USC are retired.
— Alicia de Artola Castillo (@PenguinOfTroy) September 6, 2024
Awesome for him!! But he didn’t even win a conference title.
— Batz Bets (@BatzBets) September 5, 2024
“Why is USC retiring Caleb Williams’ number. hE WeNt 8-5” pic.twitter.com/fd1RubglBc
— Auburn Blazer (@AuburnBlazer) September 6, 2024
That was quick for a QB that led a 7-5 team
— Jake B 〽️ (@MichFootballBEL) September 5, 2024
What on earth… this can’t be forreal. 🥴😂 Caleb Williams went 18-8 at USC, didn’t win any conference titles, and didn’t make playoffs……. 🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴 https://t.co/HXKKAx4k7x
— Mitch McKee (@M1TCHMCKEE) September 5, 2024
USC retiring Caleb Williams jersey is one of the dumbest things ever but to retire it at the same time they retire Reggie Bush’s jersey is criminal.
— Drae. (@Aundraez33) September 6, 2024
I think it’s highly disrespectful that USC announced retiring Caleb Williams jersey at the same time as REGGIE BUSH, one of the all-time greatest, most electric, winningest college football players in history. Reggie should’ve gotten his own shine.
— BeatinTheBookie.com®️ (@BeatinTheBookie) September 6, 2024
For More Football News:
For More Football News and to dive into the excitement, follow me on Twitter at @alec_musa. Let’s get the conversation rolling! I’m all ears for your thoughts and insights. You can also reach out to me via email at musaalec@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest college and NFL news, click here!
