USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams. Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Williams has made a major decision on his future.

USC head coach Lincoln Riley told reporters on Monday that Williams will not play when the Trojans face Louisville in the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl on Dec. 27. That is a clear indication that Williams will declare for the 2024 NFL Draft, which has been the expectation all along.

Williams’ career at USC did not end the way he had hoped it would. The Trojans lost three straight to finish the regular season and five of their last six. They were viewed as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender after beginning the year 6-0.

While he still had an impressive statistical season with 3,633 passing yards, 41 total touchdowns and just five interceptions, there were some moments late in the year that led to Williams being criticized. The most recent one came after USC lost to rival UCLA.

Williams is still projected by most to be the first player taken in the 2024 draft. It makes sense for him to not risk an injury by playing in the Holiday Bowl.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Pistons parting ways with GM after hiring new head of ops
Seahawks WR doesn’t hold back on praise for QB Sam Howell
Report: Cowboys quietly 'all in' on Dak Prescott decision
Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight temporarily postponed
Diamondbacks ace heading to injured list with hamstring strain
Golden Knights, key winger have mutual interest but face financial crunch
Caitlin Clark frustrated by physical WNBA play: 'I feel like I'm getting hammered'
Pelicans to defer Lakers' first-rounder to 2025
Former top-10 WR pick speaks on retirement regret, comeback try
Orioles lose two starting pitchers to season-ending surgeries
Cavaliers to interview Knicks, Heat assistants for HC opening
Cowboys RB trying out new position during OTAs
Lions sign second-round cornerback
Why Timberwolves players skipped TNT interview after Game 4
Yankees' Aaron Judge, Juan Soto make MLB history with impressive offensive numbers
Guardians designate once-vaunted outfielder for assignment
Inside source shares telling comment about Juan Soto's feelings on Mets
Bills give Olympic gold medalist chance in NFL
New kickoff rule has Chiefs considering radical, outside-the-box strategy
One rookie quarterback is showing 'elite downfield accuracy' during OTAs

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.