Caleb Williams enters transfer portal, says return to Oklahoma football is an option
NORMAN, Okla. — Caleb Williams is entering the transfer portal.
Less than a week after leading Oklahoma to an Alamo Bowl victory against Oregon, the Sooners quarterback announced on Twitter that he was entering the portal, though staying in Norman remained an option.
“I think we all come to college to find our own path and prepare for the future,” Williams posted. “I came to Oklahoma with a game plan, but with all of the recent changes, I need to figure out what is the right path for me moving forward.
“According to NCAA rules, as a student-athlete, the only way I can speak with other schools and see who may offer the best preparation and development for my future career is by entering the portal. Staying at OU will definitely be an option as I begin this process.”
Retaining Williams has been one of Brent Venables’ top priorities since taking over as head coach.
“Caleb Williams enjoyed an exciting and impactful first season at the University of Oklahoma and we will continue to be engaged with him and his family on a comprehensive plan for his development as a student and a quarterback, including a path to graduation and strategic leveraging of NIL opportunities,” Venables and athletic director Joe Castiglione said in a joint statement after Williams’ announcement.
“While we believe OU provides Caleb the best opportunity yo develop as a player and realize his goals for college and beyond, we respect his right to explore his options following key staffing changes here.”
Williams, the former five-star prospect, broke into the lineup Oct. 9 against Texas, leading the Sooners to a come-from-behind win in that game after replacing Spencer Rattler early.
Williams finished his freshman season with 1,916 yards and 21 touchdowns with four interceptions. He completed 64.6% of his passes and ran for 442 yards and six touchdowns.
In the Alamo Bowl, he threw for 242 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 34 yards.
Williams said after the game he planned to consider his options but said he was comfortable with what he had heard from Venables and new offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, saying he had talked to Lebby “every day” since Lebby was brought aboard.
“I think Oklahoma chose the right guy to come in here and be the head guy,” Williams said of Venables. “And we’ll see how Oklahoma does and how I decide.”