Former Cyclone Jontez Williams Ready for USC Fall Camp After ACL Recovery
Iowa State fans have a familiar name to track this college football season. Former Cyclone cornerback Jontez Williams is fully cleared for fall camp at USC, according to Trojans coach Lincoln Riley. The news comes as a relief for USC's secondary, which is looking to rebound under new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson.
Williams, who transferred to USC after three standout seasons in Ames, tore his ACL during Iowa State's 39-14 win over Arizona on Sept. 27, 2025. He missed spring practice while recovering, but Riley confirmed Saturday that Williams and fellow cornerback Chasen Johnson are both full go for fall camp.
Everybody else, doing pretty well, Riley said. Some of our offseason surgery guys have recovered. Our guys that were limited or not participating in spring are all back. Its certainly good to have the whole roster out there working.
What Jontez Williams Brings to USC
Williams produced 67 total tackles and five interceptions during his three seasons with the Cyclones. His 2025 campaign was cut short by the knee injury, but he enters USC's fall camp as one of the most experienced pieces in a secondary that has struggled with consistency in recent years.
Patterson, the veteran defensive coordinator now at USC, is counting on Williams to help stabilize a unit that has been a weak point for the Trojans. For Iowa fans, Williams' recovery is a testament to the toughness developed in the Cyclones program.
Chasen Johnson Also Back at Full Strength
Johnson, who transferred to USC from UCF, also missed most of the 2025 season after a knee injury in Week 2. He recorded just one tackle last year but posted 18 tackles during his 2024 season with the Knights. With both cornerbacks healthy, USC's secondary has more depth than it did a year ago.
Key Returners Bolster USC Secondary
Beyond Williams and Johnson, the Trojans return safety Christian Pierce, cornerback Marcelles Williams, and veteran Prophet Brown. Pierce, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound senior, had 64 tackles, one sack, and one interception last season. Marcelles Williams recorded 41 tackles as a sophomore, and Brown has 32 career tackles over five seasons.
For Iowa State fans, Williams' progress is a reminder of the talent that came through Ames. His full recovery is good news for a player who gave everything to the Cyclones before taking his shot at the next level.