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Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams announced he will enter the transfer portal on Monday. Williams isn’t ruling out a return to Norman, but the freshman signal-caller will be a sought-after addition by several programs looking to bolster the quarterback position. Williams was a dynamic signal-caller for the Sooners this year, replacing Spencer Rattler as the team’s starter and throwing for 1,912 yards and 21 touchdowns to four interceptions in 11 games (six starts). The former five-star prospect also added 435 yards and six scores on the ground.
Where could Williams land as a transfer? Here are 13 teams to watch (in alphabetical order):
13 Potential Transfer Destinations for Caleb Williams
Auburn
Auburn has a clear need for a quarterback after Bo Nix transferred to Oregon. Although the Tigers have a proven option in T.J. Finley, along with talented freshmen in Holden Geriner and Dematrius Davis, Williams would be a clear upgrade at the position.
Clemson
The Tigers aren’t an active recruiter in the transfer portal. However, considering Williams’ talent and the obvious question marks for Clemson at the position next year, coach Dabo Swinney could dip into the portal for help. Also, Williams was offered by the Tigers coming out of high school.
Florida
Emory Jones is expected to enter the transfer portal, leaving Anthony Richardson as the favorite to start in 2022. Williams was offered by the Gators out of high school and should be on the radar for new coach Billy Napier.
Georgia
The Bulldogs are stockpiling quarterbacks on the recruiting trail, but if Williams is interested in coming to Athens, it would be hard for the program to pass on that opportunity.
Oklahoma
Even though Williams is transferring, his statement indicated a return to Norman isn’t out of the question. The Sooners’ offense will be led by new coordinator Jeff Lebby (previously at Ole Miss) and return promising talent at receiver. However, a return by Williams was clouded with the arrival of UCF transfer Dillon Gabriel.
UCLA (Updated)
UCF transfer Dillon was committed to UCLA, but he’s headed to Oklahoma now. With Gabriel leaving Los Angeles, the Bruins could be another landing spot for Williams.
USC
This is the obvious landing spot for Williams. With former coach Lincoln Riley taking over at USC, Williams reuniting with the former Sooner leader would make a lot of sense.
The Next Tier/Longshot Contenders
Maryland
Williams is from Washington, DC, so a transfer to Maryland would get him closer to home. However, Taulia Tagovailoa is entrenched as the starting quarterback in College Park for 2022.
Michigan/Ohio State
Let’s group these Big Ten powers together in this spot. Both Michigan and Ohio State offered Williams coming out of high school, but both schools are likely set at quarterback next year. If Williams transferred to Columbus, he would have to sit behind C.J. Stroud, and the Wolverines bring back J.J. McCarthy and Cade McNamara.
Nebraska
The Cornhuskers are expected to be active in the transfer portal for quarterback help. However, leaving Oklahoma for Nebraska seems unlikely.
North Carolina
Sam Howell is off to the NFL, leaving Drake Maye and Jacolby Criswell to battle for the starting nod this offseason. North Carolina would be closer to home, but a fit here seems unlikely.
Ole Miss
Matt Corral is off to the NFL, with Luke Altmyer expected to enter spring practice as the favorite for the No. 1 job. The Rebels are likely to be active in their pursuit for a quarterback in the portal this offseason.
Penn State
Happy Valley and Penn State would be close to Williams’ home in Washington, DC. However, the Nittany Lions may not look too much into the portal for quarterback help with five-star freshman Drew Allar joining Sean Clifford in 2022.
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