USC QB recruit Jonas Williams named ALL-USA Football Team finalist

Jonas Williams capped his Lincoln-Way East (Neb.) career last week as Illinois’ all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, while cementing his future at USC as one of the nation’s most coveted quarterback recruits.

His accomplishments have made him a finalist for the ALL-USA Midwest Football Team, which also makes him a nominee for the ALL-USA National Football Team. Both of those teams will be announced in December.

Here is the complete list of finalists for the ALL-USA Midwest Football Team, which includes athletes from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The Rise of a Record-Breaker

Jonas Williams’ journey to becoming one of the most decorated quarterbacks in Illinois high school football history began at Bolingbrook, where he started as a freshman and threw for 2,737 yards and 37 touchdowns. After transferring to Lincoln-Way East, he quickly elevated the Griffins’ offense, delivering 3,326 total yards and 49 touchdowns in his first season with the program.

His sophomore and junior campaigns added to the legend: 3,196 yards and 33 touchdowns as a sophomore, followed by 2,926 yards and 42 touchdowns in 2024.

This fall, Williams shattered state records. In October, he broke Illinois’ career passing touchdown mark, surpassing 131 scores. By November, he had eclipsed the career passing yardage record, finishing with more than 11,100 yards. His consistency was remarkable: he threw at least 30 touchdowns in each of his four varsity seasons, a feat unmatched in state history.

Senior Season Highlights

Despite Lincoln-Way East’s season ending in the Class 8A quarterfinals against powerhouse Chicago Mount Carmel, Williams showcased his resilience. In that game, he completed 12 of 26 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown.

While the Griffins fell 48-7, Williams’ legacy was secure. He had carried Lincoln-Way East to a 9-3 record, and his ability to extend plays under pressure highlighted the dual-threat dimension scouts had long admired.

Recruitment and USC Commitment

Williams’ recruitment was a national storyline. Initially committed to Oregon, he flipped to USC in March, joining coach Lincoln Riley’s highly rated class. At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Williams is ranked the No. 2 prospect in Illinois and the No. 8 quarterback nationally, according to 247 Sports.

Analysts describe him as a “quick-twitched trigger man” with accuracy, pocket awareness, and the ability to punish defenses both in rhythm and off-script.

Riley, known as a quarterback developer, made Williams a priority. With USC transitioning into the Big Ten, Williams represents a cornerstone recruit who could thrive in Riley’s up-tempo system. Recruiting experts believe he could compete for early playing time, given his polish and production.

Legacy and Future

Williams leaves Lincoln-Way East as more than just a record-holder. He was the face of a program that consistently battled Illinois’ private-school giants, and his presence gave the Griffins a chance in every matchup.

His leadership and poise earned respect from teammates and opponents alike. Looking ahead, Williams’ move to USC positions him on one of college football’s biggest stages. His blend of arm talent, toughness, and football IQ suggests he could be the next in a long line of quarterbacks to thrive under Riley.

USA TODAY Sports ALL-America Football Teams Return

The All-USA Football Teams are back this year, highlighting the best high school players in five regions (Midwest, East, Southeast, Southwest and West), as well as naming a national team. Check usatodayhss.com in December for those team announcements.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: 4-star QB Jonas Williams lands on Midwest ALL-American finalist list