In a major recruiting move, the USC Trojans have secured a commitment from four-star quarterback Jonas Williams, flipping him away from the Oregon Ducks. Williams, who had been verbally committed to Oregon since last summer, made the surprise announcement earlier today, sending shockwaves through the college football world.
The 6’4″, 215-pound signal-caller from Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills, California, had long been considered one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 class. He impressed scouts with his arm strength, mobility, and overall football IQ, earning a four-star rating from major recruiting outlets. His decision to decommit from Oregon and choose USC is seen as a significant victory for head coach Lincoln Riley and his staff, who continue to build a powerhouse program in Los Angeles.
Williams’ recruitment had been one of the most closely watched in the nation, and his initial commitment to Oregon was viewed as a major coup for the Ducks. Oregon, led by head coach Dan Lanning, had worked tirelessly to secure Williams’ services, and the quarterback had frequently spoken about his connection with the coaching staff in Eugene. However, it became evident in recent weeks that USC was making a serious push to bring him back home to California.
The Trojans were quick to make their pitch to Williams, and it appears that the combination of USC’s strong offensive scheme, the opportunity to play in the high-profile Pac-12, and the allure of being part of a rising program under Riley was too much to resist. Riley, who has built a reputation for developing quarterbacks, has already made waves in recruiting and has produced elite quarterbacks such as Caleb Williams and Spencer Rattler in recent years.
Williams’ commitment marks a major shift in the Pac-12 recruiting landscape, as it further cements USC’s place as a major player in the conference and nationally. With Riley’s offensive system in place and the emergence of the Trojans as a college football powerhouse, the Trojans are now poised to be one of the most dangerous teams in the nation for years to come.
The impact of this commitment goes beyond just the 2026 recruiting class. USC’s ability to flip one of the top quarterbacks in the country from a rival program like Oregon is a testament to the strength of the Trojans’ recruiting efforts. It also sends a clear message that USC is back and ready to compete at the highest levels in college football.
Williams, for his part, expressed excitement about joining the Trojans and looks forward to continuing to develop under Riley’s tutelage. “I’m excited to be a part of the Trojan family,” Williams said in a statement. “USC is the place where I feel I can grow the most as a player and ultimately reach my goals. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead!”
The Trojans are expected to continue their strong recruiting efforts as they build toward the future, and Williams’ commitment is a clear sign that the program is on the rise. Fans will now turn their attention to how this new addition will fit into USC’s high-powered offense in the coming seasons.