For USC Trojans fans who watched Mario Williams flash potential in cardinal and gold, the latest chapter in his professional journey brings a familiar sense of what-might-have-been.

The Los Angeles Rams have terminated Williams’ contract after waiving him with an injury designation, ending his second stint with the team before the 2026 regular season could truly begin.

Williams, the speedy 5-foot-9 receiver out of Plant City High in Florida, arrived at USC in 2022 after one season at Oklahoma, following head coach Lincoln Riley to Los Angeles.

In his first year as a Trojan, he delivered a solid campaign: 40 receptions for 631 yards and five touchdowns across 12 games, showing the big-play ability that made him a highly touted recruit.

He followed with 29 catches for 305 yards and two scores in 2023 before entering the transfer portal again and landing at Tulane, where he posted career-best numbers (60 receptions, 1,031 yards, six touchdowns) and earned second-team All-AAC honors.

After going undrafted in 2025, Williams signed with the hometown Rams as an undrafted free agent—a natural fit for a former Trojan hoping to stick in Southern California.

He turned heads in the 2025 preseason with two catches for 46 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers, plus return contributions, before an injury led to his waiver.

He returned on a reserve/future contract in January 2026, only for a hamstring issue suffered in the preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs to force another injury designation waiver on August 18. An injury settlement followed days later, formally ending his deal.

From a USC perspective, the news stings. Williams represented another local product trying to climb the NFL ladder after shining under the lights at the Coliseum. His versatility as a receiver and returner echoed the kind of multi-threat playmakers Trojan fans have long celebrated.

While his path has been interrupted by injuries and roster crunch, the resilience that carried him from Oklahoma to USC to Tulane remains.

At just 23, Williams still has time to get healthy, showcase his skills elsewhere, and rewrite the next chapter—perhaps even circling back to the NFL in a way that lets Trojan supporters cheer him on once more.

For now, the focus shifts to recovery. USC alums and fans will be watching closely, hoping the former Trojan’s story continues beyond this setback.