When is the deadline for the NFL Draft and will projected No. 1 pick Caleb Williams declare?

Caleb Williams has long been viewed as a lock to be the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

But will Williams actually leave USC behind and share a stage with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before a worldwide TV audience?

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Will Caleb Williams declare for the draft?

Williams continues to keep his future pro plans private.

He recently said it's a "game-time decision" whether he will move on to the highest level of football.

The Trojans star quarterback must make a final decision by January 15.

That's the official deadline for college players who are underclassmen to apply for the draft.

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If Williams goes pro, he'll immediately be staring at a spotlight waiting for him in Detroit.

When is the NFL Draft?

The 2024 NFL Draft is set for April 25-27 at the Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in the downtown area.

Williams appeared to be NFL ready in 2022, passing for 4,537 yards and throwing 42 touchdowns.

Many NFL fans wanted rebuilding teams such as the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers to wait until the 2024 draft to take Wiliams at the top.

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Caleb Williams is the best college quarterback I’ve personally ever watched.

I don’t understand how anyone could attempt to make an argument at a different #1 overall pick in 2024…

— Snoog’s Dynasty Society (@FFSnoog) November 27, 2023

If that had happened, C.J. Stroud wouldn't have turned around the Texans' franchise and Bryce Young wouldn't have gone No. 1 overall to Carolina via a huge trade.

But the 2023 college season has been a setback for Williams and USC.

His numbers are significantly down -- 3,633 yards and 30 TDs -- while the Trojans are 7-5 and have fallen out of the Top 25 rankings.

Williams has also been criticized by some for showing too much emotion on the field.

The USC QB known for painting his fingernails hasn't been afraid to express himself in public.

After a humbling 52-42 defeat to Washington, Williams climbed into the stands and shared a tear-filled hug with his family while covering his face.

Huge NIL money could potentially help keep Williams at USC another year.

But few can turn down the allure of the NFL and football fans have been waiting for Williams' name to be called by Goodell as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft for two seasons.

The Trojans' down year has hurt Williams' perceived draft status.

Some mock drafts now have North Carolina's Drake Maye above Williams, while the New England Patriots are seen as a potential option for the USC star later in the 2024 NFL Draft -- if Williams decides to leave his college days behind.

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Will Marvin Harrison Jr. enter the draft?

Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. could also give Williams serious competition at the top of the draft.

Harrison, who was recently named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, hasn't decided yet whether he will enter the process.

He has 67 catches for 1,211 yards and 14 TDs this year.

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Despite the accolades, Harrison Jr. is remaining tight-lipped on his future.

“Just taking it one day at a time right now, and see how the rest of this year plays out,” he said.