The University of Southern California wasted no time honoring quarterback Caleb Williams.
On Thursday, USC Football posted a picture of their retired jersey numbers on social media, with two new additions. The first new addition was the No. 5 jersey worn by Reggie Bush, who finally got his Heisman trophy back this year and now has his number retired again at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The second was the No. 13 jersey worn by Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft less than five months ago.
Williams and Bush join the six other Trojans to have won a Heisman trophy while with USC — Matt Leinart (11), Carson Palmer (3), Marcus Allen (33), Charles White (12), O.J. Simpson (32), and Mike Garrett (20).
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 18: Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans in an offensive stance during a game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Williams had his jersey retired.
Ric Tapia/Getty Images
Williams transferred to USC from Oklahoma along with his coach, Lincoln Riley, after the 2021 season. In 2022, he established himself as the best player in college football, throwing for 4,537 yards with 42 touchdowns and five interceptions. On the ground, he added another 382 yards and 10 touchdowns. Williams took home the Heisman trophy over quarterbacks Max Duggan (TCU), C.J. Stroud (Ohio State), and Stetson Bennett (Georgia).
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While Williams wouldn’t go back-to-back, he put together another impressive season in 2023, throwing for 3,633 yards with 30 touchdowns, five interceptions, and 11 rushing touchdowns. He cemented himself as the obvious No. 1 pick in the draft, and was selected by the Chicago Bears in April.
Williams hasn’t yet taken a snap in a regular season game at the NFL level, but USC wasted no time honoring him. Once Mason Cobb — a linebacker who wears No. 13 — graduates, no one else in USC history will wear the No. 13 jersey.
As for Bush, he finally got his Heisman trophy back this year, meaning his jersey can be re-retired at the Coliseum. Bush is widely regarded as one of the best college football players of all time. During his Heisman trophy-winning season in 2005, the superstar running back ran for 1,740 yards with 16 touchdowns, while adding another 478 yards and two touchdowns through the air.
The Trojans will almost certainly honor Bush at some point this season during a home game. As for Williams, if his busy NFL schedule allows it, they will likely do the same.
The Trojans opened their season last Sunday with an upset win over LSU at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Trojans will look to move to 2-0 on the year as they welcome Utah State to the Coliseum on Saturday.
