Caleb Williams skipped media availability after what may have been the quarterback’s last time playing for USC.
He completed 31 of 42 passes for 384 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the Trojans’ 38-20 loss to rival UCLA on Saturday.
The Los Angeles Times’ Ryan Kartje reported on X that Williams “elected not to speak to the media,” a USC spokesperson said.
The loss leaves USC sitting at a 7-5 record, which comes as a surprise after the team had a hot 6-0 winning streak at the start of the season.
Saturday’s media absence was not the first time that Williams’ actions after a loss has drawn attention, as he didn’t shake hands with Utah after a loss and he cried in his mother’s arms after losing to Washington.
Williams may have also wanted to avoid questions after the dip USC has taken this season, going 1-5 over its last six games.
However, with USC completing its regular season, questions about Williams’ future will heighten, which he may have also wanted to avoid.
Williams, a junior, has been largely suspected to take a chance in the NFL draft, where he is expected to be a top pick.
If he does make the jump to the pro ranks, he won’t be able to duck the media, as NFLers are required to fulfill their media obligations.
Williams spent his freshman year at Oklahoma before leaving for USC, where he earned the 2022 AP Player of the Year award and the 2022 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year.
This year, he has tallied 3,633 passing yards for 30 touchdowns and nine interceptions across 12 games.
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