The Top 10 USC Trojans football players of the last decade

2. QB Caleb Williams (2022-23)

Many fans likely suspected Caleb Williams to top our list of the top 10 USC football players of the last decade. The Oklahoma transfer is unquestionably the most talented player of the previous ten seasons, but there's other variables to consider.

Either way, Williams was as advertised during his USC tenure. After following Lincoln Riley to Southern California, the gunslinger put up 4,537 passing yards and 42 touchdown passes in 2022. He led the Trojans to their first double-digit win season and (conventional) Pac-12 championship appearance since 2017. Of course, we're not counting the shortened pandemic season.

Williams brought USC its first Heisman Trophy since Reggie Bush's recently reinstated award circa 2005. He was also the 2022 Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Award winner, AP College Football Player of the Year, SN College Football Player of the Year, and a Unanimous All-American. Many USC fans will argue the Trojans underperformed with Williams at quarterback. We agree, but don't blame the Washington D.C. native for Troy's shortcomings.

Most of Williams' college career included poor support from the defensive side of the ball. Indeed, the issues Riley experienced in Oklahoma migrated with him to Southern California. However, few fans will argue that Williams carried USC to the 2022 Cotton Bowl. He's also why the Trojans managed seven wins and bowl eligibility in 2023.

Click "Next" to find out who the No. 1 USC football player of the last ten years is.