Caleb Williams has a clear message for anyone looking to transfer to USC this offseason.

It has to be about the team.

Speaking to reporters earlier this week, the Trojans’ Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback was asked what his message would be to players looking to join the program. USC rapidly remade the roster last offseason, Lincoln Riley’s first, by going all-in on the transfer portal. That approach netted Williams, the team’s leading rushers, leading receivers, and leading tacklers. All throughout the two-deep, transfer players filled major roles.

And there was a chorus of concern from pundits heading into the year that due to that makeup, USC might be susceptible to falling apart when the going got tough. Many, from local writers in other Pac-12 markets all the way up to ESPN legend Kirk Herbstreit, wondered if the Trojans’ “hired guns” would look to get theirs rather than look out for what was best for the team.

In the end, USC silenced even its loudest critics. A 4-8 team a season ago became an 11-1 team that finished first place in the Pac-12. USC played for the Pac-12 title in Riley’s debut season.

The Trojans ultimately fell short of their goals, though, and they’re expected to hit the portal hard again this upcoming offseason to fill the holes that remain on the roster.

“If you’re not coming here to focus on our team goals, don’t come,” Williams said. “If you want to come with a great group of guys, come on and let’s work. If you’re not here to reach our team goal in January, then don’t come join.”

USC wants to win a Pac-12 title, but it also wants to get to a national championship.

And Williams is the perfect example for Riley and the USC staff to show prospective Trojans that focusing on the collective can lead to individual acclaim as well. Williams won the Heisman Trophy in his first season, but he made the program proud by taking his entire offensive line with him to the ceremony.

He endeared himself to his teammates and the L.A. community early on — headphones, team-building events, appearances and charitable events with his Caleb Cares foundation — and then led the Trojans through a heartbreaking midseason loss to Utah to get to the Pac-12 title game.

Williams played hurt in that game as well, a 47-24 loss to the Utes.

The Trojans will face Tulane in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 2, then turn their full attention to getting ready to chase a title in 2023.