On-field success isn’t enough in today’s college football landscape. Dan Lanning and the Ducks dominated most of the 2024 season. It was only in the CFP quarterfinals that their eight-game streak as the No. 1 team came to an unceremonious stop. And along the way, they enticed several future prospects including the No. 6 QB of the 2026 class. But there’s a storm brewing with a possible change in the horizon as Lincoln Riley’s USC swoops in with an edge over Oregon. 

Steve Wiltfong dropped some major recruiting updates in the latest On3 Recruits episode on February 5 regarding 4-star QB Jonas Williams. The general curiosity is that he committed with Oregon last August but now, he’s at USC grounds. Wiltfong reported that Lincoln Riley met with the 2026 prospect before his USC visit this weekend. And through his conversation with his dad John Williams, the reason for this interest is laid out—“Obviously academics is a big deal in this process for Jonas Williams and USC, what they offer off the field academically, the resources that you have in a place like LA.” USC’s polished academic record stole the interest and attention of Williams’ family. 

When it comes to the top college programs in the US, USC is among the top, with an elite reputation for academic pursuit. The school boasts 47,000 total students for the 2024-25 academic year, winning over 80,000 new applications. A strong alumni, a picturesque campus, and a huge sports tradition capped off with academic excellence. And when you add a Heisman-producing HC in the mix, that’s a tough combo to beat.   

Steve Wiltfong stated, “They were very impressed certainly what Lincoln Riley has done with his track record with quarterbacks, offenses, Heisman Trophies, number one overall picks, that’s exciting them. Jonas Williams is USC’s top target in 2026.” Under Lincoln Riley, the Trojans produced a 2022 Heisman winner in Caleb Williams, who also excelled with recognitions as the year’s Walter Camp Player of the Year, Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, and Maxwell Award winner, among others. He also developed two more Heisman QB winners — Baker Mayfield (2017) and Kyler Murray (2018). He’s also the only HC to have the above three QBs as the No. 1 overall selections in the NFL draft. Jonas Williams would want to taste a piece of that QB success in 2026. 

Will USC land Jonas Williams’ final commitment?

USC didn’t play their best this past season, falling 7-6. But despite an underwhelming season, Lincoln Riley was named a finalist for the 2024 Dodd Trophy, an award for coaches who excel beyond the gridiron on the three fields—scholarship, leadership, and integrity. This only cements the fourth-year Trojans HC’s status as someone who strives for all-round development beyond the gridiron, and that resonates with the 6’1, 200-pounder.

Jonas Williams is the No. 85 player in the nation and the No. 1 player in the state of Illinois. The Lincoln-Way East High School prospect already took in the sights and feels at USC’s campus for Junior Day. And Lincoln Riley met him in Illinois last week, where they attended a basketball game together at the Galen Center. Bonds are developing, and it could be Dan Lanning who might have to suffer the blow of this connection. 

As a student looking to improve all-round, it’s no wonder USC is on top of Jonas Williams’ wishlist. The battle isn’t over yet, but Lincoln Riley is clearly making big moves, and Dan Lanning should be feeling the pressure.