Sep 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts after a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans recruiting class of 2026 is filled with elite prospects, one of the top commits being four-star quarterback Jonas Williams. Williams committed to USC on Feb. 21, flipping from Oregon.

Williams participated in the Overtime OT7 Finals after competing in the Elite 11, an annual competition held for the top quarterback recruits. 247Sports National Analyst Brandon Huffman talked about Williams’ biggest strength is how composed he is.

“Just his composure. In those camp settings, you see a lot of guys guys that are getting frenetic. They’re trying to make every throw. And especially with quarterbacks that aren’t necessarily getting recruited by those coaches that are there,” Huffman said. “Just a real, cool, calm, and composed.”

“Doesn’t get too high, doesn’t get too low. Just kind of stays that even-keeled and there’s value in that in your quarterback. You don’t want a guy that’s so frenetic that they just can’t control themselves in those trying situations,” Huffman continued.

With Williams still having to go through his senior season before joining USC, his composure is a good sign for the Trojans and Williams’ development as a player. The four-star recruit does not try to force plays, which could risk turnovers.

Nov 23, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley during the fourth quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

With his mental skillset, he is also a talented passer who caught the eyes of many programs during his recruitment. Per 247Sports, Williams is the No. 13 quarterback, the No. 5 player from Illinois, and the No. 189 recruit in the nation.

During the camps, athletes are working with players that they have not played with before, making it natural for mistakes to happen. When Williams passes the ball, he does so making the work easier for the wide receiver, despite the lack of chemistry. Williams’ natural talent will make him a valuable asset for the USC Trojans.

Dec 27, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Texas A&M Aggies in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“Then you have the physical ability that he has. He throws the ball so well. Can make all the throws. Really on those short and intermediate routes does a good job at it. Can hit those deep throws,” Huffman said. “You’re bringing in just from these camps that there’s not a lot of timing worked out. There’s not a lot of chemistry that’s right there. But you’re getting to see the way that he lets those receivers adjust to his throws pretty quickly.”

Williams has a high upside and is part of the top recruiting class in the nation. Not only will he have one more year of high school football to develop, but USC will likely start five-star quarterback recruit Husan Longstreet in 2026.

Sep 21, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley on the sideline in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

While Williams will have just as much of a chance to compete for the role, he will be able to learn the offense for a year before taking over the team. USC coach Lincoln Riley has coached some of the top quarterbacks in recent years, putting Williams in the best situation to succeed. Williams is on pace to lead the Trojans on a College Football Playoff run, looking to compete for a National Championship.

The USC Trojans have the No. 1 ranked recruiting class of 2026 with the most committed players in the nation. Riley and USC general manager Chad Bowden are building a talented team, working to be one of the top programs in the nation for the next several years.