2021-2022 was the season of the quarterback entering the NCAA transfer portal, and the Auburn football program was not exempt from the madness. With over 20 quarterbacks entering the portal this year, many teams are searching for a new leader on offense, including the Tigers.
After three-year starter Bo Nix entered the portal and committed to the Oregon Ducks, Auburn football was left with TJ Finley and Dematrius Davis, with Holden Geriner on his way into the program. The bowl game seemed to prove that the Tigers were going to need more QB depth in 2022, and all signs point to head coach Bryan Harsin combing through the transfer portal for new talent.
And with newly-hired offensive coordinator Austin Davis on the staff, the Tigers suddenly have an experienced NFL quarterback who will specifically be able to prepare young QBs for a professional career, which is very important to recruits in this day and age.
While the most realistic option at this point seems to be former Texas A&M Aggie quarterback Zach Calzada, rumors are swirling and Auburn football fans have not given up on the notion that former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Caleb Williams could be Auburn’s next QB1.
Most everything linking Caleb Williams to the Plains is ensconced in rumor, but who doesn’t enjoy a bit of speculation during the offseason? Whether it’s on Twitter or the message boards, fans of college football are working overtime to try to determine the transfer destinations of these quarterbacks.
That being said, Fly War Eagle presents three outrageous reasons why Caleb Williams will soon be an Auburn football player.
Outrageous Reason #1: The Crypto-Dentist Said So
The rumors began before Caleb Williams had even entered the transfer portal. Last weekend, a dentist from the Dallas, TX area posted on a Reddit message board that Caleb Williams would be leaving Oklahoma for Auburn due to a one million dollar NIL deal. The post was quickly deleted, but naturally, Auburn football fans dug deeper.
Turns out the dentist, who never talks about college football and talks mostly about crypto, is highly connected to Oklahoma, where he graduated with honors and played football for the Sooners. Of course, it could just be a coincidence, but then Caleb Williams officially entered the transfer portal:
— Caleb Williams (@CALEBcsw) January 3, 2022
Then, the dentist doubled down and insisted that Williams entered the portal so he could talk to other programs and try to leverage the largest NIL deal he can get, claiming his sources were Caleb Williams himself and the OU football program due to his ties as a former player.
Again, this is all complete rumor and speculation, but if the dentist is right it could mean that Apple or Yellawood is putting together a deal to get Caleb Williams to the Plains.
Outrageous Reason #2: The Russell Wilson Link
When 5-star quarterback Caleb Williams committed to the Oklahoma Sooners, he was compared far and wide to Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. Here’s what Parker Thune of All Sooners said when Williams was committed to Oklahoma:
"He’s got the arm talent of a young Aaron Rodgers, the creativity of a young Mahomes, and the mobility of a young Russell Wilson. The physical tools are undeniable, but what sets Williams apart is his work ethic and dedication. Mentally, he’s already got championship makeup, and he’s done wonders for Oklahoma’s 2021 signing class via his secondary recruiting efforts."
Heartland College Sports, among others, reports that Williams has developed a close relationship with the NFL quarterback, who is currently being coached by the future offensive coordinator of Auburn football. If Wilson and Williams truly have a close relationship, wouldn’t Wilson recommend his own former coach as a guy to develop Williams and get him to the big leagues?
As a young coach that worked his way up from a walk-on to an NFL quarterback, Austin Davis is already a great selling point for quarterbacks that want to be prepared for a career in the pros, and with the Russell Wilson link, it’s possible (in a speculative, outlandish sort of way) that Caleb Williams could choose the Plains.
Outrageous Reason #3: Social media proved it
If you thought the first two reasons were ridiculous, fasten your seatbelt for #3. Thanks to active Auburn football fans on social media, players don’t follow other players without it being noticed, especially if said player is in the transfer portal.
All eyes have been on Caleb Williams’ social media activity since he entered his name into the portal, and although many insist that he’s likely following Lincoln Riley to USC and that he’d never choose Auburn, he sure has been getting friendly with several Tigers on social media.
Class of 2022 tight end commit Micah Riley-Ducker kicked things off on Twitter when he retweeted this post endorsing the Caleb Williams to the Plains movement:
Then it was revealed that the official Auburn football Instagram page followed Caleb Williams, though they unfollowed him quickly after if that actually happened. It is confirmed, however, that Williams did recently follow Auburn’s star running back Tank Bigsby and freshman quarterback Dee Davis, which could mean nothing, but it could also mean that he’s developing relationships with his future teammates. In addition, Austin Davis follows Caleb Williams.
While social media doesn’t necessarily mean anything, the rumors and the timing make for a somewhat compelling argument that the former 5-star quarterback could be considering a future in Auburn, Alabama. Maybe don’t get your hopes up just yet, but these outrageous reasons should be enough to keep you interested in Williams’ journey through the portal.