Lincoln Riley’s decision: QB Caleb Williams to sit out USC’s bowl game

USC coach Lincoln Riley revealed on Monday that reigning Heisman Trophy recipient Caleb Williams will be absent from the upcoming Holiday Bowl, where the Trojans are scheduled to face Louisville on Dec. 27.

Williams, who had an impressive 3,633 passing yards and 30 touchdowns during USC’s disappointing 7-5 season, is widely expected to forego his senior year and enter the NFL draft, where he is anticipated to be the top pick.

Last season, Williams impressed with 4,537 passing yards and 42 touchdowns, leading USC to an 11-1 regular season and securing the team’s eighth Heisman Trophy.

With Williams set to depart for the NFL, sophomore backup Miller Moss is expected to step into the role of starting quarterback for the Holiday Bowl. In limited appearances over three seasons at USC, Moss has thrown for 542 yards and three touchdowns. Riley expressed regret on Monday that he wasn’t able to give Moss more playing time this season.

Riley also stated that he anticipates Moss to be a strong contender for USC’s starting position next season, and the program will explore the transfer portal for potential quarterback additions.

“We’re not committing to anything just yet,” Riley said. “But we’ll assess the situation and see how it unfolds.”

USC also has freshman and former five-star recruit Malachi Nelson on its roster, although Riley mentioned that Nelson faced some physical challenges this past season.