USC's Caleb Williams, potential No. 1 pick, enters NFL draft - ESPN

USC quarterback Caleb Williams will enter the 2024 NFL draft, he announced on social media Monday. The decision comes on the final day that underclassmen are allowed to declare.

Williams' decision formalizes his status as the favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the draft. His formal entry highlights the Chicago Bears' offseason conundrum of keeping Justin Fields or trading him to (presumably) build around Williams.

Williams' decision is not a huge surprise. It had been clear since USC's disappointing 2023 season ended that he'd wait until the final day he could make a decision, similar to how C.J. Stroud waited until the final day to decide last year.

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The debate surrounding Williams in scouting circles isn't whether he's the No. 1 pick in the draft, but rather whether he is a once-a-decade type prospect or a generational one. Williams' use of varied arm angles, his improvisational wizardry and his ability to use his legs combine for an intriguing package.

Williams won the Heisman Trophy at USC in 2022 and put together another strong season in 2023, even as USC's record dipped from an 11-3 playoff contender to an 8-5 Pac-12 also-ran. Williams completed 68.6% of his passes for 3,633 yards in 12 games in 2023, compared to 66.6% for 4,537 yards in 14 games the previous year.

While Williams didn't replicate his Heisman magic and USC's team performance dipped — much because of an apathetic defense — he maintained consistent performance, and his status as the top player and quarterback in this class is secure.

ESPN polled a half-dozen scouts and executives Monday, and none could see a scenario other than Williams going No. 1. «I'd be shocked if he wasn't,» one veteran scout said.