On an apparent lens, you might argue that no team has a better prospect heading into the big off-season with a ton of money, three ultra-successful seasons, and, of course, an undefeated playoff record (2024) under his belt. Oh, how could we just forget to mention his aggressive portal movements since the early signing day kicked off? With all that said and done, all eyes are on one of the highest octane prodigies in the class of 2026 recruit. But on a tweaked reality, Dan Lanning isn’t having the luxury to sit still on his potential arrival in Eugene.

The top-tier schools are lurking behind to trigger a change of mind in the four-star quarterback. And you can’t even call it a lopsided effort. The player? Jonas Williams, who is somewhat reciprocating, as his recent move with the Trojans raises concern.

Where does USC stand with Jonas Willams after a massive move?

This past season at Lincoln-Way East, Williams turned the tides, mounting for 2,926 yards and 42 touchdowns with only six interceptions. He completed 67.8 percent of his passes and added another seven scores on the ground. Well, it’s just not his monster numbers that made all the talking. He also seamlessly flows into an RPO scheme, as he has little issues in the off-platform throws. He can deliver that ball quite effortlessly and can freak you out through the air. All these lofty qualities made him an instant head-turner to programs like Georgia, Ole Miss, Alabama, Ohio State, USC, and others. But it seems Lincoln Riley and the Trojans are turning up the heat the most.

Trojans go all in to strengthen their class of recruits by flipping a huge four-star commit from the rival Ducks. The icing on the cake? Jonas Willams recently had a visit to South California for their Junior Day event. How likely is a Willam flip?

”Jonas Willams, big-time quarterback, four-star elite quarterback, committed to Oregon right now; I forgot to tell you guys that he was there today as well. This thing is really moving and grooving. USC has some unexpected guests that popped up, and I think he was, I don’t remember hearing his name…I am hearing that there is a buzz from him, it’s intel that suggests and saying look, he could possibly be on the flip watch. The flip watch season is officially here. Regardless of what people think,” The Lost in the Sauce podcast host Fave divulged the head pain for Lanning and Co. Willams was highly regarded as the strategic replacement of the accuracy king Dillon Gabriel with more than 3000 yards under his belt. Losing Willams means a clear danger in the Duck’s QB room.

A number of other top-tier recruits in the class of 2026, including Ohio State commit Chris Henry, were in attendance at South California. The highly productive day certainly hopes to improve Lincoln Riley’s poor recruitment record in the portal and the terrific mass exodus following another underwhelming season. But coming to a straight conclusion on their fate regarding Jonas Willams will be a bit of an overstatement. The four-star QB is still holding onto his Ducks commitment firm.

Jonas Willams isn’t thinking about a flip at this point

Dan Lanning might have given up their nearly perfect season later in the trial, But that didn’t wipe out his long-standing excellence both on and off the field. After they closely missed their title shot, Lanning wasted no time jumping onto the roster revamp and made some significant history there. By the end of National Signing Day, the Ducks grabbed a No. 2 rank in the nation for the 2025 recruiting class, according to On3. Oregon also holds a school record for the most 5-star recruits in a single class in the nation. Their hospitality, academics, coaching, and aggressive pursuits made them one of the most appealable homes to many A-listers. Jonas Willams has not been an exception.

He didn’t seem to regret his August commitment to the Ducks. ”Oregon has been my dream school for a while,” Williams told On3. “A lot of people talk highly of Oregon, and it definitely lived up to that standard. When I got there,e I really liked Coach (Will) Stein and how he teaches. That’s really important. I’m going to spend a lot of time with him for the next four years of my life.

Lanning has widely been regarded as the most empathetic coach around the mix. His leadership and the ability to read between the lines and be there for the talents through thick and thin made a unique combination to possess for any CFB coach.  “I really like Coach (Dan) Lanning. He’s one of the most humble head coaches I’ve met. The whole coaching staff has a sense of integrity to them. I feel comfortable with them and can trust them,” Willams explained how the intangibles of coach Lanning made him hooked with the school.

He also had a strong bond with OC Will Stein. Willams likes his coaching style and, most specifically, the human being he is. They have a family connection, too. So, the flipping would be anything but a cakewalk for USC and Riley. But better luck, whatsoever!