In one of the most baffling and controversial NFL quarterback rankings in recent memory, FOX Sports ignited a firestorm by listing Caleb Williams as the 21st best quarterback in the league—yes, twenty-first—a move that has sent shockwaves through the football world. The same list outrageously ranked JJ McCarthy above Williams, despite the fact McCarthy has not played a single NFL snap. Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is already displaying elite-level talent in Bears camp and was expected by many analysts to be the face of a new generation of quarterbacks. But apparently, FOX didn’t get the memo.
Let’s be clear: Caleb Williams isn’t just another rookie. This is a Heisman winner with a cannon for an arm, ice in his veins, and a playmaking ability that scouts have compared to Patrick Mahomes. Since being drafted by the Chicago Bears, Williams has already captivated fans and coaches alike with jaw-dropping throws in OTAs and an early grasp of the playbook that coaches say is “years ahead of schedule.” And yet somehow, some way, FOX placed him behind a guy who hasn’t taken one professional snap? It’s not just head-scratching. It’s downright disrespectful.
The reaction was immediate and explosive. Social media erupted. Bears fans were incensed. Analysts from ESPN to independent podcasts shredded the ranking. Former NFL quarterback and commentator Robert Griffin III called it “a slap in the face to every single person who understands football.” NFL insider Jordan Schultz tweeted, “FOX Sports owes Caleb Williams an apology. Period.” Even current and former players chimed in, expressing disbelief that Williams was slotted behind not just McCarthy, but a slew of underperforming veterans who’ve struggled for years to remain relevant in the league.
Let’s take a closer look at the so-called “rankings.” Quarterbacks like Sam Howell, Mac Jones, and Desmond Ridder were either closely ranked or above Williams in some metrics. Again, these are players who have been benched, traded, or relegated to backup duties—not first overall picks with sky-high ceilings. The inclusion of JJ McCarthy, who has done nothing but attend media day and sign a rookie contract, is the most mystifying piece of all. McCarthy, while talented and promising, was ranked four spots higher than Williams in this list. No reasoning. No justification. Just a list that appears more interested in stirring controversy than reflecting reality.
And maybe that’s the point. Maybe FOX wanted the clicks. Maybe they wanted the chaos. But what they’ve really done is give Caleb Williams more fuel for the fire. You can bet this ranking is already pinned to the wall in the Bears’ locker room. You can bet Caleb sees it. And you can absolutely bet he’s going to use it as motivation when he steps onto that field for his first NFL start. Because disrespect is the ultimate motivator.
For a player who was already playing with a chip on his shoulder, this just turned that chip into a boulder. Don’t be surprised if, by midseason, FOX is walking back that list, scrambling to adjust the rankings as Williams torches defenses and silences doubters one throw at a time.
So go ahead, keep sleeping on Caleb Williams. Just know that when he’s carving up secondaries on Sundays, this moment—this ridiculous, illogical, and totally indefensible ranking—will be one of the first things he remembers.