Look, for a long time, the phrase "USC QB in NFL" was basically a punchline. You know the drill. A guy lights up the Pac-12 (RIP), wears the cardinal and gold, wins a Heisman or a Rose Bowl, and then... nothing. Or worse, he becomes a professional sideline-stander. People used to talk about it like a literal curse. If you were an NFL GM, drafting a USC quarterback felt like buying a luxury car that only runs in Southern California weather.
But things changed. Honestly, they changed fast.
As we sit here in January 2026, the old "Trojans can't play on Sundays" thing feels like a dusty relic from 2010. We aren't just seeing these guys survive; we're seeing them dominate the postseason. If you told a fan five years ago that the 2025-2026 NFL playoffs would be headlined by two former USC signal-callers chasing a Super Bowl, they’d have laughed you out of the room. Yet, here we are. Caleb Williams is leading a Renaissance in Chicago, and Sam Darnold—yes, that Sam Darnold—is having a career year in Seattle.
The Caleb Williams Factor: Breaking the Chicago Curse
Caleb Williams wasn't supposed to be "just another" USC QB in NFL history. He was the chosen one. And for once, the hype was actually real.
His rookie year in 2024 was sort of a mess, but not because of him. He got sacked 68 times. Think about that for a second. That’s nearly four times a game. Most humans would have quit and started a podcast. But Williams finished that year with 3,541 yards and 20 touchdowns. It was a foundation.
Then 2025 happened. The Bears hired Ben Johnson, and suddenly, the offense went from 28th in the league to 9th. Caleb didn't just improve; he shattered the glass ceiling for Chicago quarterbacks. He became the first Bear ever to throw for over 4,000 yards in a season (4,303 to be exact). He led them to an NFC North title in a year where everyone expected them to finish third.
What makes him different? It’s the "off-platform" stuff. The old USC quarterbacks—think Matt Leinart or Matt Barkley—were "rhythm" guys. They needed a clean pocket and a perfect scheme. Williams? He creates something out of nothing. He plays like a point guard who happens to have a cannon for an arm.
The Sam Darnold Redemption Arc in Seattle
If Caleb is the future, Sam Darnold is the "I told you so" story of the decade.
For years, Darnold was the poster child for USC failures. The "seeing ghosts" game with the Jets. The weird stint in Carolina. He was a journeyman. Then he landed with Mike Macdonald in Seattle for the 2025 season.
Darnold didn't just start; he became a Pro Bowler. He’s currently leading the Seahawks into a Divisional Round matchup against the 49ers (assuming his oblique injury holds up—he’s listed as questionable, but he told reporters yesterday he’s "probably closer to zero" percent likely to miss it).
Stats-wise, the guy has been a machine:
- 3,942 passing yards (Top 10 in the NFL)
- 27 touchdowns
- A completion percentage hovering around 58.1% (which sounds low, but he's taking huge downfield shots).
It turns out that when you take a USC QB in NFL and give him a top-tier offensive line and receivers like DK Metcalf, he actually looks like the guy who was drafted No. 3 overall back in 2018.
The Lincoln Riley "Whisperer" Reputation
You can't talk about USC quarterbacks without talking about Lincoln Riley. The guy is essentially a factory for first-round picks.
Riley has coached three Heisman winners and had three quarterbacks go No. 1 overall. At one point in 2024, it was estimated that 1/3 of all NFC starting quarterbacks were "Riley products" (if you count his time at Oklahoma).
The knock on Riley guys used to be that they were "system QBs." Critics said they wouldn't know what to do without a genius calling plays in their ear. Jalen Hurts changed that narrative first. Then Baker Mayfield proved he could win a playoff game in Tampa. Now, Caleb Williams is the crown jewel.
Why the "USC Bust" Narrative Died
So, why did the trope die? It’s simple: the NFL changed to meet the college game.
In the early 2000s, USC was running a pro-style offense under Pete Carroll. They were ahead of the curve in college, but they were training guys for a version of the NFL that was becoming obsolete. Today’s NFL is about mobility, RPOs, and creative arm angles. Those are the exact things USC (and Lincoln Riley) specializes in.
Basically, the league finally caught up to what Troy was doing.
Realities and Remaining Hurdles
Is it all sunshine? Not exactly.
While Caleb and Sam are thriving, there’s still a gap in the history books. As of January 2026, a USC quarterback has still never started and won a Super Bowl. That is a wild stat considering the program's prestige. Rodney Peete, Carson Palmer, Mark Sanchez—all had moments, but none hoisted the Lombardi as "the guy."
The pressure on Caleb Williams is immense. He’s carrying the weight of the Chicago Bears' 100-year history and the USC legacy at the same time. People are already comparing his 2025 season to guys like Joe Burrow and Josh Allen.
👉 See also: NFL Scores Sunday Night Game: What Really Happened at Soldier Field
What to Watch Next
If you're tracking the progress of USC quarterbacks in the professional ranks, here are the three things that actually matter right now:
- Darnold’s Oblique: Keep a close eye on the Seahawks' injury report. If he can't go against the 49ers, the "fragile USC QB" critics will come crawling back out of the woodwork.
- The 2026 Draft: Jayden Maiava is staying at USC for another year, but he’s already climbing draft boards. Scouts are looking at him as a potential Top 10 pick for 2027.
- The Super Bowl Barrier: If either Chicago or Seattle makes it to the big game this year, the "USC curse" is officially, legally, and permanently buried.
The narrative has flipped. Being a USC QB in NFL used to be a warning label. In 2026, it’s a premium brand. The guys currently in the league aren't just filling roster spots; they are the reason their teams are winning in January.
Next Steps for Fans:
Follow the NFL Divisional Round schedules for both the Bears and Seahawks. Compare Caleb Williams’ playoff efficiency ratings against other Riley-coached starters like Baker Mayfield or Kyler Murray to see if there's a consistent "pro-readiness" trend emerging from the USC system.