Oklahoma QB Caleb Williams Enters Transfer Portal After One Season In Norman
Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams, like Spencer Rattler before, announced Monday that he is entering the transfer portal.
Williams, who wrapped up an impressive freshman season in Norman with the Sooners' 47-32 victory over Oregon Wednesday in the Alamo Bowl, said on Twitter that the recent changes at the program have led him to the decision.
Those changes include head coach Lincoln Riley setting his sights on a new challenge, taking over for USC in the Pac-12. Former Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables was named the next head coach at Oklahoma. Venables served 12 years on Oklahoma's staff from 1999-2011.
Rattler, the Heisman Trophy favorite entering 2021, entered the portal shortly after Riley left. Williams took the starting job from Rattler during the Red River Showdown against Texas on Oct. 9. Rattler committed to South Carolina on Dec. 14. Williams seemed poised to carry the flag for a new era of Oklahoma football, a reality that now looks bleak.
Williams said he's not ruling out a return to Oklahoma but will take some time before making a decision. In 11 games for the Sooners, Williams threw for 1,916 yards, 21 touchdowns and four interceptions on 64.6% passing.
Venables and athletic director Joe Castiglione put out a joint statement via Twitter.
"Caleb Williams enjoyed an exciting and impactful first season at the University of Oklahoma and we will continue to be engaged with him and his family on a comprehensive plan for his development as a student and a quarterback, including a path to graduation and strategic leveraging of NIL opportunities.
"While we believe OU provides Caleb the best opportunity to develop as a player and realize his goals for college and beyond, we respect his right to explore his options following key staffing changes here.”
As for 2022, redshirt freshman Micah Bowens is the only scholarship quarterback left on the roster. Oklahoma landed the commitment of four-star quarterback Nick Evers in its 2021 recruiting class. Evers is the No. 10 quarterback in the nation, 156th overall player, per 247Sports.
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