NFL Week 15: How USC Alums Showed Out Across the League
Week 15 in the NFL gave us a glimpse of what the future could look like for several former USC stars-and in some cases, the future is already here. From Caleb Williams putting together his most complete performance yet, to Tuli Tuipulotu continuing his rise as one of the league’s premier pass rushers, it was a big week for Trojans in the pros. Let’s break down how each of them fared.
Caleb Williams - QB, Chicago Bears
This was the version of Caleb Williams Bears fans have been waiting for. No unnecessary hero-ball, no off-platform throws into double coverage-just clean, efficient quarterbacking from start to finish.
Against a stout Browns defense in brutal weather conditions, Williams looked like a seasoned pro. He controlled the pace, made smart decisions, and led an offense that, for the first time all year, felt like it had a clear identity: the run game as the side dish, the passing attack as the main course.
If this is the version of Caleb that shows up in January, Chicago might be more dangerous than anyone expected.
Woody Marks - RB, New Orleans Saints
Marks exited last week’s game with an ankle injury, but the early signs are positive-he could’ve returned if needed. Before leaving, he was efficient, racking up 30 yards on 7 carries.
Still, the backfield picture is starting to shift. Jawhar Jordan’s 101-yard outing against Arizona has added some intrigue to the rotation.
Marks remains the lead back for now, but the competition is heating up.
Calen Bullock - S, Los Angeles Rams
Bullock continues to make strides in Year 2, and his performance against the Cardinals was another step forward. He was active in coverage, breaking up two passes and registering four stops.
With three games left, he’s already matched his tackle total from last season. Bullock is evolving into a true playmaker on the back end, and the Rams are reaping the benefits.
Isaiah Pola-Mao - S, Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders were overwhelmed in a 31-0 loss to the Eagles, but Pola-Mao was one of the few bright spots. He notched 10 tackles in a game where Las Vegas struggled to get off the field.
Alongside Maxx Crosby, Pola-Mao continues to be one of the few consistent forces on this defense. He’s quietly having a strong season, even if the team around him isn’t.
Tuli Tuipulotu - EDGE, Los Angeles Chargers
Tuli Tuipulotu is having the kind of year that turns heads-and earns Pro Bowl nods. He added two more sacks to his season total in a statement win over the Chiefs, bringing him to 12 on the year.
The Chargers’ defense has been lights-out, and Tuipulotu is a huge reason why. He’s not just meeting expectations-he’s blowing past them.
For a team with playoff aspirations, having a game-wrecker like Tuipulotu up front is a massive advantage.
Michael Pittman Jr. - WR, Indianapolis Colts
With Philip Rivers making his first start in five years, the Colts’ passing game was understandably limited. Rivers threw for just 120 yards, and that lack of production rippled through the receiving corps.
Pittman Jr. was targeted five times but managed only three catches for 26 yards in a loss to Seattle. It was a quiet day for one of Indy’s top weapons, but the quarterback situation didn’t do him any favors.
Sam Darnold - QB, Seattle Seahawks
Darnold’s stat line-271 yards, no touchdowns-doesn’t tell the full story. Seattle moved the ball well between the 20s, but red zone execution was a major issue.
Still, Darnold did enough to help the Seahawks get past an Indianapolis team missing Daniel Jones. With a Thursday night clash against the Rams looming, Seattle will need Darnold to elevate his game.
If the Seahawks are going to stay in the playoff hunt, he’ll need to channel that MVP-caliber version of himself.
Leonard Williams - DT, Seattle Seahawks
Jonathan Taylor got his yards-87 to be exact-but the Seahawks made sure they were hard-earned. Taylor averaged just 3.5 yards per carry, and his longest run was only 11 yards.
That’s a testament to Leonard Williams, who clogged the middle and finished with five stops. He’s been a rock in the trenches all year, and this game was no exception.
Williams continues to show he’s still one of the best interior defenders in the league.
Talanoa Hufanga - S, Denver Broncos
It was a quiet game for Hufanga-and it showed. The Broncos’ defense struggled early against the Packers, and Hufanga’s lack of impact was noticeable.
He finished with just three tackles, his lowest output of the season. With fellow safety Brandon Jones now sidelined due to a pec injury, Hufanga will need to bounce back quickly and take on an even bigger role down the stretch.
Amon-Ra St. Brown - WR, Detroit Lions
St. Brown was electric.
He torched the Rams for 13 catches, 164 yards, and two touchdowns, looking every bit like a top-tier NFL receiver. The Rams had no answers for him-or for Jameson Williams, for that matter.
Even in a losing effort, St. Brown’s performance was a reminder of just how dangerous he can be when he’s in rhythm.
If the Lions are going to make a late playoff push, they’ll need more of this from their top playmaker.
Jordan Addison - WR, Minnesota Vikings
Addison’s stat line doesn’t jump off the page-two catches for 66 yards-but one of those was a game-changing 58-yard grab. The Vikings are starting to find their groove again, winning back-to-back games after a four-game skid.
While J.J. McCarthy’s chemistry with his receivers still needs work, Addison continues to make the most of his opportunities.
When that connection clicks consistently, watch out.
Final Word
Week 15 showed us that USC’s NFL alumni are not just filling rosters-they’re making real impacts. From rookies like Caleb Williams and Tuli Tuipulotu to vets like Leonard Williams and Amon-Ra St.
Brown, the Trojan legacy is alive and well across the league. With the playoff race heating up, expect to see even more of these names in the headlines.