Four-Star Recruit Jonas Williams Emerges as Big Ten’s Top QB Commit

The recruitment landscape in college football has welcomed a standout prospect in Jonas Williams, a four-star quarterback who has committed to the USC Trojans. Not only does Williams hold a prominent position in USC’s recruiting class, but he also stands out as the top quarterback commit in the Big Ten. His ranking as the No. 9 quarterback and No. 118 player nationally, according to 247Sports, underscores his potential impact on the field.

Ranking Among Big Ten Quarterback Commits

Williams is singularly impressive as he is the only quarterback within the Big Ten to be listed in the top 10 of 247Sports‘ quarterback prospects. Following him is Tradon Bessinger, a four-star quarterback committed to Iowa, who ranks as the No. 12 quarterback and No. 185 player nationally. Bessinger recently decommitted from Boise State on October 27 before officially joining the Hawkeyes on November 8.

Another notable name is Bryson Beaver, a four-star quarterback who was previously committed to Boise State before transferring his commitment to Oregon on June 15, after decommitting on June 12. Beaver is currently ranked as the No. 15 quarterback in the country. Interestingly, Williams himself had committed to Oregon earlier this year before making the switch to USC.

Why Jonas Williams Stands Out

Williams’ credentials speak volumes about his capabilities. He is the all-time leader in passing touchdowns in Illinois state history, and according to Andrew Ivins of 247Sports, he is “tracking to exit high school as a four-year starter” with the potential to set more records. Ivins notes that Williams is suited for a fast-paced offensive scheme, projecting him as a multi-year starter at a Power Five institution.

His decision to play under the guidance of Lincoln Riley at USC further enhances his profile. Riley’s history of developing quarterbacks makes it difficult to envision a scenario where Williams does not succeed. With a proven track record, Riley’s system could maximize Williams’ skills and prepare him for the next level.

As Williams prepares for the transition to college football, the dynamics of the USC quarterback room will influence his initial role. If current starting quarterback Jayden Maiava opts to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, Williams would likely take on a more prominent position. Should Maiava remain, Williams would find himself as the third-string quarterback, positioned behind Maiava and Husan Longstreet. Regardless of the scenario, Williams is expected to redshirt in his freshman year to maintain his eligibility.

The excitement surrounding Williams is palpable, as he represents not only a significant addition to the USC Trojans but also a key player in shaping the future of the Big Ten. As college football continues to evolve, the impact of recruits like Jonas Williams is likely to resonate for years to come.