𝙐𝙎𝘾 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙩 𝙅𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙨 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙢𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙣 2025 𝙀𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙚 11 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙨

Jonas Williams, a 6′3″, 205-pound four-star quarterback from Frankfort Heights, Illinois (Lincoln-Way East), has emerged as one of the most compelling QB prospects in the class of 2026. After a stellar junior season in which he threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 42 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 400 yards and seven scores, Williams not only caught national attention but also cemented his place as a top-10 quarterback and the No. 1 recruit in Illinois. Originally committed to Oregon, Williams shocked the recruiting world in February 2025 when he flipped to USC following a strong junior-day visit. He cited the influence of head coach Lincoln Riley, quarterbacks coach Luke Huard, and GM Chad Bowden as key factors in his decision, all of whom have extensive records developing top-tier college and NFL quarterbacks. His commitment gives the Trojans another elite talent at the ga myme’s most important position, further solidifying what was already a top-3 recruiting class nationally. Williams’s style of play—marked by excellent arm strength, rapid decision-making, and a calm pocket presence—makes him a natural fit in Riley’s high-powered, pro-style offense. His ability to throw on the run, deliver off-platform passes, and extend plays with his legs has drawn comparisons to former Heisman winner Caleb Williams, a USC product now in the NFL. In June 2025, Williams received an invitation to the prestigious Elite 11 Finals after a standout performance at the Nashville regional. The Elite 11 Finals, held annually in Los Angeles, brings together the nation’s top 20 high school quarterbacks to compete in high-level drills, scrimmages, and evaluations led by NFL-experienced coaches and former quarterbacks. Alumni of the event include Trevor Lawrence, Bryce Young, Tua Tagovailoa, CJ Stroud, and Caleb Williams, making Jonas’s invite a clear indicator of his national standing and NFL potential. As part of the event, Williams will have the opportunity to demonstrate his skill set against the very best in his class, further validating his top-tier status or potentially boosting him to five-star status. With USC already housing fellow Elite 11 finalist Husan Longstreet in its 2025 class, the Trojans find themselves with two elite arms poised to compete and develop under Riley’s tutelage. Williams is expected to graduate early and enroll at USC in January 2026, setting the stage for a potential quarterback competition or redshirt season. His visit to USC in mid-June 2025—just before the Elite 11 Finals—reinforced his commitment, which he has described as “100 percent locked in,” despite outside interest and increasing NIL buzz. Recruiting analysts continue to praise his upside, with On3 ranking him No. 7 among QBs nationally, and Sports Illustrated listing him as the No. 89 overall recruit in the country. As his senior season approaches, many expect his stock to rise even higher, especially with a strong showing at the Elite 11 Finals and continued dominance on the field. In summary, Jonas Williams’s journey—from Illinois high school star to Elite 11 finalist and USC commit—demonstrates his rapid rise in the recruiting landscape. His arm talent, mobility, intelligence, and competitive drive suggest a bright future, not only in Los Angeles but potentially at the professional level. All eyes will be on Williams this summer as he competes against the nation’s best quarterbacks in the Elite 11 Finals, aiming to leave no doubt that he belongs among college football’s next generation of stars.