Adding Zacharyus Williams boosts WR room and adds high-IQ football mind

Gabriel S. Esparza

Utah v UCF / Julio Aguilar/GettyImages

On Saturday, coach Lincoln Riley secured another highly coveted transfer portal talent for the 2025 Trojans. While GM Chad Bowden has previously mentioned only looking to 'minor' in that area, this latest pickup is the equivalent to acing a summer course.

Sophomore Zacharyus Williams will join USC. On3's Pete Nakos was the first to report this development on X. While with Utah, he came on stronger toward the end of the year and was slated to potentially have a large role in the offense for the Utes.

At 6'2" and 191 lbs., he utilizes his size well and has the speed to be able to truck opposing defenders. More importantly, his football IQ allows him to play within the system well and contribute. He has a good understanding of his function in the concept of each play.

While in the Big 12, he showed the ability to get open and then get some yards after the catch. At times, he was also used on a jet sweep. Getting a playmaker like this, with three years of eligibility remaining, is the precise type of move that this staff wants to make when bringing in players from the portal.

Before leaving Utah, he spoke with their media team. During that discussion that occurred during the Utes' spring camp, he shared an interesting point on how his relationship with his brother helps him as a collegiate athlete.

Assistance from sibling contributes to Williams' preparation

His brother, New Zealand Williams, played on the defensive side of the ball with San Diego State. When asked about how the older Williams brother comments on his game, Zacharyus shared:

"He's got a defensive mind, so I pick his mind, as an offensive player, to see what he sees. He watches my film and tells me what he sees. That's very beneficial, very helpful."

It's clear when watching him play that he is someone who studies his craft and takes input from others well on how to get better. His inclusion in the Trojans' wide receiver room is something the Trojan fans will soon greatly appreciate, if they don't already.

Gabriel S. Esparza

Gabriel Esparza is a FanSided contributor. He enjoys writing about and covering multiple sports across all aspects. You can follow him on X: @SportsPulse100. He can usually be found catching a current game or rewatching one from the past. His prior work has been featured on Yardbarker and MSN. When he isn't enjoying a game, he's listening to a podcast or enjoying some good tunes.