Jonas Williams’ recruitment has become one of the more fascinating battles of the 2025 cycle. The five-star passer out of Lincoln-Way East (IL) has been locked in with the Oregon Ducks since August, but that hasn’t stopped the elites from making their moves. Commitments can be as fluid as an air-raid offense; nothing is ever truly set in stone. USC’s Lincoln Riley knows that better than most, and he’s made it clear that Williams is high on his priority list. As February unfolds, the pressure is mounting, and whispers around the industry suggest that the Ducks’ grip on their prized quarterback commit might be slipping.

Although he is a Dan Lanning guy, Riley is well up in the race. Add Brian Kelly and LSU from the Death Valley to the list as well while we’re at it. Recruiting insider Steve Wiltfong has already sent one trembling shockwave in Eugene, speaking to Josh Newberg on On3 Recruits, hinting that Williams could be on the move. Even he thinks he’s going to sign somewhere else. Newberg said, “Jonas Williams who’s currently committed to Oregon but, Steve, I read one of your articles up on On3.com, and you said quote, I expect him to sign elsewhere.” And he revealed exactly where.

“I think when all said and done, it’s more likely that he ends up with the Trojans or Tigers than it is he signs with the Ducks,” Wiltfong said. That’s a bold statement, especially considering Oregon’s recent dominance on the recruiting trail. Dan Lanning’s Ducks have constructed one of the strongest 2025 classes in the country, sitting atop the recreating rankings, and they’ve been relentless in their pursuit of keeping Williams in the fold.

Williams himself hasn’t exactly shut the door on the Trojans, and Riley’s pitch is a compelling one. “I think Lincoln Riley speaks for himself,” Williams said. “His history, what he’s done with quarterbacks. They’re kind of rebuilding, new hires on the staff. I really like the staff. I’m one of the only guys they’re recruiting in ‘26. They’ve showed me a lot of love and I feel really wanted there.” Williams then made the trip out to Los Angeles on Feb. 1 for USC’s Junior Day event, hanging a bit too long in LA, and even met Lakers legend Magic Johnson. Well, he is already following the Lincoln-Way in his HS, might as well do it with the man himself.

That last bit’s gotta be ringing alarm bells in Eugene…

A quarterback wants to be the guy, right? If Oregon’s been chasing other star QBs in his class, that probably planted some doubts in Williams’ head. And USC? They’re ready to pounce on that. Seeing him balling out in the recently held Pylon 7-on-7 Chicago event on Sunday adds to signal-caller’s growing craze.

The timing of Riley’s visit to the 6-foot-3 QB’s high school in late January wasn’t coincidental. The Trojans’ 2025 class currently sits at No. 15 nationally and No. 5 in the Big Ten, per On3, and while they’ve already secured a commitment from five-star quarterback Husan Longstreet, Riley has never been one to shy away from stockpiling talent at the position. Williams would add another dynamic piece to the puzzle. And given Riley’s repo as a “quarterback whisperer” into Heisman contenders and first-round NFL picks, it’s not hard to see why the appeal is there.

For Oregon, the good news—if there is any in this situation—as Steve said, “Oregon wants to sign two quarterbacks this cycle.” That is, they’re still in the mix for Jared Curtis, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 class. If the No. 7 QB in the class Williams ultimately flips, Lanning and his staff could shift their focus toward ensuring Curtis lands in Eugene, keeping their quarterback pipeline intact.

They’re not backing down just yet, but with every passing day, the pressure from USC and LSU only intensifies. Oregon’s coaching staff will continue to fight to keep their prized recruit, but the momentum has undeniably shifted.

Jonas Williams’ wandering eye

Jonas Williams, Oregon’s prized 2026 quarterback commit, is keeping his options open despite his verbal pledge to the Ducks. The highly touted signal-caller recently transferred to Lincoln-Way East ahead of his junior season, and if his recruitment wasn’t already a hot topic, it certainly is now.

After an impressive 2023 campaign—where he racked up 3,196 passing yards and 33 touchdowns—Williams took a visit to USC, and let’s just say, the Trojans rolled out the red carpet. “It was pretty fun,” he told On3. “They really made sure my family and I had a great experience. A lot to take in.” The biggest pull for USC?

Head coach Lincoln Riley. “Coach Riley is the driving factor in my recruitment,” Williams admitted. “He’s been recruiting me pretty hard, and what they did with the 2025 class and what they’re doing with 2026 is really intriguing.” But USC isn’t the only program making waves in his recruitment.

LSU, with offensive coordinator Joe Sloan leading the charge, is also in the mix. “They’re both great teams. There’s really no negative with any of them,” Williams said. The quarterback carousel is spinning, and Williams is keeping his options open. And this saga will be something to monitor.