Caleb Williams reportedly isn’t the only big-named quarterback that the USC Trojans will lose after this season.
The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, of course, is widely expected to be the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Not only that, but backup and former five-star quarterback recruit Malachi Nelson is reportedly planning to leave the school as well.
According to Pete Nakos of On3.com, Nelson is expected to enter the 2023-24 NCAA football transfer portal.
“USC freshman quarterback Malachi Nelson is expected to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, multiple source tells On3.
Nelson played in one game during the 2023 season, completing one pass on three attempts. The news comes after USC hosted Kansas State transfer quarterback Will Howard over the weekend. Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams is expected to enter the NFL draft.
As a recruit, Nelson was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect ranked No. 11 in the 2023 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 5 quarterback and No. 2 recruit from California in the 2023 cycle.”
As Nakos noted, the Trojans met with Kansas State signal-caller Will Howard on the weekend. If they land Howard, USC will have a proven quarterback to build the offense around. Howard had 24 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and nine rushing scores for the Wildcats this season.
The 20-year-old Nelson attended Los Alamitos High School in Los Alamitos, California. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Nelson saw limited action in the Trojans’ Aug. 26 game against the San José State Spartans, completing one of three pass attempts.
