USC Trojans

Caleb Williams transfers to USC, rejoins Lincoln Riley

Updated Feb. 1, 2022 2:40 p.m. ET

Lincoln Riley is continuing to make big moves at USC since being named the Trojans’ head coach on Nov. 28.

And the moves got even bigger Tuesday.

Riley — who left Oklahoma for USC after serving as the Sooners' head coach from 2017 to 2021 — has been busy adding some of the most recognized names in the NCAA transfer portal. And now, he has landed the biggest name yet: former Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams.

Williams's decision to enroll came just before the deadline that required all full-time USC students to be enrolled in classes in order to take part in the spring semester, according to Ryan Kartje of the Los Angeles Times. Williams will now be able to participate in spring practices.

The reunion between Riley and Williams is a dream scenario for SC. In his one season at OU, Williams was the first true freshman to start at quarterback for the Sooners since 1990. He was named a true freshman All-American by ESPN, 247Sports, On3 and PFF after playing in 11 games (making seven starts) and throwing for 21 touchdowns and four interceptions while posting a 169.6 QB rating.

He passed for 200 yards five times, at least three touchdowns four times and at least two TDs six times. Williams also rushed for at least 50 yards in five games.

USC had already added 10 transfers before Williams's announcement, which is two more than the total number of recruits they have secured in the 2022 class.

Riley had seen quarterbacks Kedon Slovis and Jaxson Dart leave the USC program since he was named the Trojans’ head coach. Freshman Miller Moss, who was a four-star recruit out of Bishop Alemany High School (Mission Hills, California), is the only quarterback remaining on the current USC roster who took a snap under center this past season.

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Meanwhile, USC also added running back Travis Dye last week, after he led Oregon with 1,271 rushing yards and 46 receptions this past season. Dye earned honorable mention All-Pac 12 honors in each of the past two seasons and is expected to fill a void for the Trojans after 2021 starting RB Keaontay Ingram announced that he is declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft.

Former Oklahoma wide receiver Mario Williams, who was the top-ranked WR prospect in the 2021 class, announced his transfer to USC last week as well. He will reunite with Riley after putting together a solid freshman campaign in Norman that saw him haul in 35 catches for 380 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games.

Riley and the Trojans have also added cornerback Mekhi Blackmon and wide receiver Brenden Rice from Colorado, running back Austin Jones from Stanford and cornerback Latrell McCutchin from Oklahoma.

Before Williams chose USC, FOX Sports betting analyst Jason McIntyre named the program one of his "best future bets to make now," adding that the addition of Riley was a determining factor in his pick.

One thing is clear: Riley has brought USC back to national relevance in less than two months.