Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Caleb Williams

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 30, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Caleb Williams made an impact.

Caleb Williams is an American football quarterback currently playing for the Chicago Bears in the NFL. He previously played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners and the USC Trojans, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2022. During his time at USC, he set single-season school records in passing yards and touchdowns. Williams was selected first overall by the Bears in the 2024 NFL draft. As a rookie, he quickly set several franchise passing records, marking a promising start to his professional career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2002: First QB selected first overall to win NFL debut

Caleb Williams was the first quarterback selected first overall to win his season-opening NFL debut since 2002. He completed 14-of-29 passes for 93 yards with no touchdowns or turnovers in a 24–17 win against the Tennessee Titans.

2005: USC's last AP College Football Player of the Year

In 2022, Caleb Williams became the AP College Football Player of the Year, being USC's first winner since Reggie Bush in 2005.

2009: Started every game in a season

Caleb Williams was the first Bears quarterback to start every game in a season since Jay Cutler in 2009.

2020: Bears Win Streak

After a 1-2 start, Williams led the Chicago Bears to their first three-game win streak since 2020.

2021: Oklahoma Sooners Starting Quarterback

In 2021, Caleb Williams entered his true freshman season with the Oklahoma Sooners as a backup before becoming the starting quarterback midway through the season. He finished the year with 21 passing touchdowns, six rushing touchdowns, and four interceptions in seven games.

January 3, 2022: Transfer Portal Entry

On January 3, 2022, Caleb Williams entered the transfer portal.

2022: Heisman Trophy Winner

In 2022, Caleb Williams won the Heisman Trophy and set single-season school records in passing yards and touchdowns while playing for the USC Trojans.

2023: USC Trojans Season

In 2023, Williams and the USC Trojans went 7–5 during the regular season. Williams threw for 3,633 yards with 30 passing and 11 rushing touchdowns.

2024: NFL Draft Declaration

In 2024, Caleb Williams declared for the NFL draft following the 2023 season, finishing his college career throwing for over 10,000 yards with 120 total touchdowns.

2024: Selected First Overall in NFL Draft

In 2024, Caleb Williams was selected first overall by the Chicago Bears in the NFL draft. He also set several franchise rookie passing records during the season.