Heisman winner has preferred 2024 teams
The Miami Dolphins already have a quarterback, but the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner wants in, too.
The problem is University of Southern Cal quarterback Caleb Williams isn’t even eligible for the 2023 NFL draft.
In an interview with People that took place at Super Bowl 57, Williams opened up about his playing future and revealed the list of NFL teams atop his list. Still, Williams technically could opt to return to the Trojans after the 2023 season for his senior season.
“I can’t say right now (what I’ll do),” Williams told People. “The expectation from everybody would be that I would leave and go pro, but that would be a very, very in the moment kind of decision after speaking to family members and mentors that I believe in and trust their word.”
Here’s everything you need to know about Williams and his NFL future.
Which NFL teams are Williams most interested in playing for?
Though the Dolphins have said they are committed to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Williams is still eyeing Miami as his preferred destination.
“I like to be around younger coaches,” Williams told People. “I’d probably go to the Dolphins. I also would be able to play with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Mike Gesicki. The defense isn’t bad. That’s probably my No. 1 spot.
“I also like the colors. The colors are pretty cool and the weather’s good.”
The Dolphins, who finished 9-8 in 2022 and made their first playoff appearance since 2016, may not be in position to select Williams, who is projected to be one of the top passing prospects whenever he would declare for the draft. He also listed the San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders or Atlanta Falcons as other teams atop his list but stressed that “I’d play anywhere.”
Who is Williams?
Born in Washington, D.C., Williams posted a monster 2022 season with USC and became only the sixth sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. Williams completed 66.6% of his passes for 4,537 yards, with 42 touchdowns against five interceptions. He added 382 rushing yards and 10 more scores on the ground. Williams helped turn the Trojans around, going from 4-8 in 2021 to 11-3 last season.
Williams transferred from Oklahoma in February 2022 to reunite with coach Lincoln Riley, who had left the Sooners program to join USC in November 2021.
What is the quarterback situation for the Dolphins?
Miami has started Tagovailoa since midway through the 2020 season. While he had battled through spurts of inconsistent play in his first two seasons, Tagovailoa broke out in 2022 under first-year head coach Mike McDaniel, posting career highs in passing yards (3,548) and passing touchdowns (25). He also led the NFL in passing yards per attempt (8.9) and QB rating (105.5).
Tagovailoa, however, battled through at least two serious concussions in 2022 that forced him to miss the last three games of the season, including a playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. Tagovailoa said he is “all-in” to return to play, despite the head injuries. Tagovailoa is set to enter the fourth and final season of his rookie contract, though Miami would have the right to pick up a fifth-year option that would allow the Dolphins to retain his rights through the 2024 season.