When it comes to both Nick Marsh and Jontez Williams, the biggest question Notre Dame football fans have for Marcus Freeman and his crew is why didn't they push harder to be the first visit for both players? On Sunday evening, Williams became the second ND target to commit to another school. This time to a hated rival.
Williams, a defensive back out of Iowa State, was not only the top defensive back on the Irish's board, but pretty close to the top name on the board overall. However, he's now found his new home, and he did it without even bothering to see what South Bend had to offer.
Williams committed to the USC Trojans, adding insult to injury for Notre Dame. He wasn't just the top corner on ND's board, but is considered the No. 1 corner in the transfer portal. He visited LA this weekend and was sold on the idea that it should be his new home after transferring from Iowa State.
BREAKING: Iowa State standout transfer CB Jontez Williams has Committed to USC, he tells @On3Sports⁰
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 5, 2026
Through 3 seasons with the Cyclones he totaled 67 tackles, 10 PD, and 5 INT
He’s the No. 1 CB in the On3 Portal Rankingshttps://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/jGyhsFLBTF
Notre Dame suffers gut-punch DB transfer portal loss to USC in Jontez Williams
As Saturday Blitz pointed out, his numbers were down in 2025 because of an injury, but in the five games he did play, he was plenty impressive. And in 2024, he was as close to a lockdown corner as anyone should expect.
In the 2024 season and the 5 games Williams played in 2025, he allowed just 24 catches on 58 targets for 215 yards and a touchdown. Most of Williams' snaps have come on the outside, giving a team a chance to get a player who can instantly step in and change a defense.
Williams, like Marsh, was expected to take an official visit to Notre Dame later this week. Now it's onto Plan B for both the wide receivers and cornerbacks.