The Athletic Football Show on Caleb Williams

PodcastWhat Trevor Lawrence's rise can teach us about NFL quarterbacksOctober 1, 2026

From the episode

Like Caleb in the back half of last year probably gives you enough in terms of that spike... Caleb Williams, great example. It took a year and a half until he was able to be like, oh, he looks like one of those dudes.

Mentioned at 80:30 – 80:57

STACKED’s take

Positive signalProjection

Williams' late-season spike signals elite trajectory despite slow start.

Caleb Williams provided enough of a spike in the back half of last year to signal he will be one of the elite quarterbacks. The source also notes that Caleb is a perfect example of a quarterback who took a year and a half (around 24-27 starts) before looking like an elite player, representing a more realistic and common path than immediate stardom.