Bears QB Caleb Williams receives high praise ahead of 2026 season

Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears have plenty to be proud of from their highlight-heavy 2025-26 season, as the team went from the bottom of the NFC North to the top in just one season.

Now, it's the job of Williams, head coach Ben Johnson and the rest of the Bears staff to take the franchise to the next level during the 2026-27 season.

Williams had a lukewarm rookie season in 2024, and it wasn't until Johnson came on board in 2025 that the quarterback's potential was really unlocked. Now, Williams is proving to the NFL that he was worthy of being selected No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and taking on the franchise quarterback role.

NFL analysts are finally starting to take notice of Williams, too.

Caleb Williams and Chicago Bears get praise before 2026 NFL season

Colin Cowherd recently ranked Williams the No. 3 best quarterback in the league going into the new season.

"Do you know what his numbers are the first two years?" Cowherd said. "Forty-seven touchdowns, 13 picks, never hurt. Never hurt in high school. Never hurt in college. Never hurt in the pros. Got hit more than any other quarterback in the league his rookie year. Unbelievably durable. Makes throws that only Josh Allen can make."

So, Williams is making waves ahead of the 2026-27 season for all the right reasons. The Bears made it to the playoffs in the 2025-26 season for the first time in five years, and even though they fell short, with Williams primed for another hot year, the sky (or Chicago skyline) is the limit.