Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams earns high praise from coaches in June 2025. See why he and Rome Odunze are creating a massive buzz for the 2025 NFL season.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The air is different at Halas Hall, and the reason has a name: Caleb Williams. On a seemingly ordinary Thursday in June, the buzz around the Bears' franchise quarterback reached a fever pitch, with new head coach Ben Johnson offering praise that sounds less like coach-speak and more like pure awe. As Williams dazzles in offseason activities, it's clear that the hope for a new offensive era in Chicago isn't just a dream—it's taking shape right before our eyes.
'He defies gravity with jaw-dropping playmaking.' - Coach Ben Johnson on Caleb Williams
It's one thing for fans to be excited, but it's another when the experts and coaches are all-in. Coach Ben Johnson couldn't hide his admiration for Williams' dedication, noting his presence at voluntary workouts and his relentless pursuit of 'full-speed reps' to master the new system. This commitment is already paying dividends, with Pro Football Focus naming both Williams and fellow rookie sensation Rome Odunze to its 2025 All-Breakout Team. After a 3,541-yard, 20-touchdown debut season, PFF projects Williams will flourish under Johnson's guidance. Odunze, who topped 700 yards himself, is also pegged for a massive leap. The hype is real, and it's being validated.
A star quarterback needs his weapons, and the news on the injury front is largely positive. Coach Johnson confirmed that receiver Luther Burden, who missed all of OTAs and minicamp, is on track to be ready for the start of training camp. More encouragingly, first-round tight end Colston Loveland is already running routes and catching passes as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. When asked if he'd be fully cleared for camp, Loveland's response was a confident, 'that's the plan.' While Johnson remains cautiously optimistic about Loveland's full readiness, having both key pass-catchers progressing is a major win for the offense.
The optimism will be tested early and often. The Bears' 2025 schedule was officially released, and it's a monster. With 10 games against 2024 playoff teams, Chicago will face one of the league's toughest slates. The schedule is highlighted by four prime-time contests, putting this young, exciting team under the national microscope. Key matchups include a Week 13 battle against the reigning champion Eagles and two crucial December showdowns with the Green Bay Packers. The season will fittingly conclude against the Detroit Lions, led by the very coach now guiding Williams, Ben Johnson. The team will need to be firing on all cylinders right out of the gate, especially with an early Week 5 bye.
While the focus is on the players in the building, GM Ryan Poles is keeping his eyes on the rest of the league. Reports from Halas Hall indicate the front office remains aggressive, monitoring potential trade opportunities created by minicamp holdouts and contract disputes across the NFL. Poles has a history of making bold moves to improve the roster, and with the Bears clearly in a window to build around their young core, don't be surprised if he pulls the trigger on a deal to add another impact player before training camp.
The pieces are falling into place. A franchise quarterback is exceeding expectations, his star receivers are getting healthy, and the front office is hungry for more. But the road ahead is undeniably difficult, paved with playoff-caliber opponents and the pressure of prime-time lights. As OTAs wrap up and the team looks toward training camp, the question is no longer 'if' the Bears can be exciting, but whether this newfound energy and talent can translate into wins against the NFL's best. All eyes will be on Caleb Williams to see if he can truly make this offense defy gravity.
