Jontez Williams' mission is simple - upgrade the USC secondary

“Need: With a mix of returning talent, such as Marcelles Williams, and talent that departed at the cornerback position from the likes of DeCarlos Nicholson and Braylon Conley, USC was in need of a player who could come in and be an effective pass defender. Besides the loaded recruiting class, USC brought in valuable players in the transfer portal, notably Williams.

“Value: A second-team All-Big 12 selection at Iowa State in 2024, Williams was looking to continue on that path in 2025 but suffered an ACL injury in late September in an attempt to break up a pass. When he is at full strength, he is an instinctive cover corner. He has very quick feet and transitions well out of his breaks. His closing speed allows him to be in position to make plays on the ball and contest the catch. As long as he is healthy, Williams will be a valuable players for a USC secondary that was ranked in the middle of the Big Ten last season.”

Jontez Williams gets to play for new USC defensive coordinator Gary Patterson. It will be essential for Patterson to use Williams properly and get the most out of his talent. The better the coordinator, the better USC’s defense will be, including in the secondary.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football needs Jontez Williams to live up to the billing in 2026