On Friday, Feb. 21, Lincoln-Way East four-star quarterback Jonas Williams announced that he would be flipping his commitment from the Oregon Ducks, offering the USC Trojans a significant boost in their 2026 recruiting class.
USC Trojans, Lincoln Riley Flip 4-Star Quarterback Jonas Williams From Oregon Ducks
According to the On3 Industry Rankings, Williams is the No. 65 overall prospect, the No. 7 quarterback, and the top player in Illinois.
It’s a big deal that USC pulled this off for a variety of reasons. First, Williams is an outstanding prospect. He is one of the best players and quarterbacks in the whole nation. Second, pulling a player away from an opponent in your conference is exceptionally significant.
This move underlines USC head coach Lincoln Riley’s unwavering pursuit of top-tier players, as well as the fragility of college football commitments.
On3’s @SWiltfong_ and @ChadSimmons_ have logged expert predictions for USC to flip Oregon 4-star QB commit Jonas Williams✌️
Read: https://t.co/MxmrTziCaQ pic.twitter.com/CTO7S7CF5a
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) February 19, 2025
Williams, a standout at Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort, Ill., had initially committed to Oregon in August 2024. Coach Riley and his team were unfazed, boosting their attempts to recruit Williams to USC.
Their dedication paid off when Williams attended USC’s Junior Day when he and his family were reportedly thrilled by the program’s offers. This visit was vital in his decision to switch commitment to the Trojans.
Securing Williams is a tactical win for USC, especially as they enter the Big Ten Conference. Williams, who stands 6’1″ and weighs 200 pounds, is the seventh-ranked QB in the 2026 class. His decision not only boosts USC’s quarterback depth but also raises the program’s national recruiting prominence.
Academics also played an important role in Williams’ decision-making process. The academic resources and opportunities offered at USC appealed to Williams and his family, blending with their goals for his college career.
Losing a top recruit like Williams is a major setback for Oregon. Head coach Dan Lanning and his staff must now fill the void left after Williams’ departure.
KEEP READING: Lincoln Riley Speaks Candidly About Those Pesky NFL Rumors
With Williams officially committed, USC’s future looks brighter. His arrival to the team is expected to boost the team’s performance and productivity, especially as they prepare for challenges outside of the Big Ten.
Riley’s successful recruitment of Williams highlights his commitment to fostering an elite squad capable of contending at the highest levels of collegiate football.
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