Introduction
Caleb Williams has taken the football world by storm — first at the collegiate level, and now as a budding star in the National Football League (NFL). From committing to his first college to being drafted No. 1 overall, his rise has been meteoric. But many fans still want clarity: which college did he really go to? And how long has he actually been in the NFL? In this article, we dig into his college trajectory and early professional career to answer these questions — and examine what that might mean for his future.
College Career: From Oklahoma to USC
High School Background
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Caleb Williams attended Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., where he first made a name for himself as a standout quarterback.
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He led Gonzaga to a WCAC Championship as a sophomore (2018), and earned notable accolades like being named to The Washington Post All-Metropolitan first team.
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After graduating high school in 2021, he was ready for the next step.
College — First at Oklahoma
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Williams initially committed to Oklahoma Sooners and enrolled with them in 2021.
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However, after a season, he made a pivotal decision to transfer.
Transfer to USC and Rise to Stardom
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From 2022 onward, Williams played for the USC Trojans.
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His time at USC marked a meteoric rise: in one season he posted 4,075 passing yards, completed 296 of 448 passes (66.1%), and tossed 37 touchdown passes against just four interceptions.
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By the end of his college career, Williams had firmly established himself among the elite — with awards, records, and national recognition.
Key Takeaway
Caleb Williams’ college journey spans two top-level programs: one season at the Oklahoma Sooners, followed by two seasons at the USC Trojans — the latter where he truly broke out.
NFL Career: When Did He Enter — And How Long Has He Been There?
NFL Draft & Entry to the League
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In the 2024 NFL Draft, Caleb Williams was selected first overall by the Chicago Bears — a clear signal of the expectations riding on his shoulders.
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That 2024 season marked his rookie year in the NFL.
NFL Seasons Played So Far
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As of the 2025 season, Williams is in his second year in the league.
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Statistics from 2024 and 2025 show that he has begun to build a body of work: passing yards, touchdowns, and games under his belt.
College vs NFL: A Comparison
| Period / Phase | Highlights |
|---|---|
| College (2021–2023) | Played for Oklahoma (2021) and USC (2022–2023); Posted elite stats at USC (4,075 passing yards in one season, 37 TDs) |
| NFL (2024–Present) | Drafted No. 1 overall in 2024 by Chicago Bears; Entered 2nd NFL season in 2025 |
This contrast underscores just how quickly Williams transitioned from top college prospect to rising NFL quarterback. His college dominance, especially at USC, laid the foundation — and now the early signs in the NFL suggest he’s adapting quickly, albeit amid much higher expectations.
Why the College Path Matters — And What to Watch in the NFL
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Multiple College Stops = Broader Experience — Having played for both Oklahoma and USC, Williams has experienced different systems, coaching styles, and competitive environments. That can make him more adaptable to NFL complexity.
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Momentum from College Success — Dominating at USC gave him confidence and a reputation as a “can’t-miss” quarterback — which likely influenced his No. 1 draft selection.
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Early NFL Growth — Being just in his second season, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. With more coaching, better weapons, and maturation, he could evolve significantly.
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High Expectations + Big Pressure — First-overall picks often carry heavy burdens. His college pedigree helps, but translating that into long-term NFL success remains the real test.
FAQs
Q: Which college did Caleb Williams go to?
A: Caleb Williams initially played for Oklahoma Sooners in 2021, then transferred to USC Trojans for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Q: How many years has Caleb Williams been in the NFL?
A: As of the 2025 season, Caleb Williams is in his second year in the NFL — he was drafted in 2024.
Q: When was he drafted and by which team?
A: He was selected as the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.
Q: Did Caleb Williams win any awards in college?
A: Yes — while at USC, he delivered stellar performances including a season with 4,075 passing yards and 37 touchdowns, among other achievements.
Q: Is he already a starting quarterback in the NFL?
A: Yes — after being drafted in 2024, he began playing for the Chicago Bears, and by 2025 is seen as their franchise quarterback.
Conclusion
Caleb Williams’ journey reflects a rapid — but hard-earned — ascent through the ranks of American football. From his high school success in Washington, D.C. to a dual-college stint at Oklahoma and USC, and now into the NFL with the Chicago Bears, his path has been anything but ordinary.
By 2025, having completed one full season and entering his second, he still carries the weight of expectations that come with being a former No. 1 overall pick. But his talent — honed through a diverse college career and tested on football’s biggest stage — suggests he’s more than ready for the challenge.
Whether he becomes a long-term franchise QB for the Bears or evolves into a generational star remains to be seen. But one thing is sure: his college pedigree and early NFL exposure give him all the tools to succeed.
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