LAKE FOREST, Ill. (104.3 The Score) — Can the Bears build on their foundation and live up to their billing as a true Super Bowl contender in 2026? The answer to that question rests on the shoulders of third-year quarterback Caleb Williams.
This is a season that will define what’s ahead for the 24-year-old Williams and these Bears, who enjoyed a breakthrough 2025 season. Head coach Ben Johnson has his team looking ahead and focused on what’s next in 2026. For Williams, it’s a pivotal point in his young career.
Williams is looking to lead the Bears to sustained success – the organization hasn't had back-to-back playoff appearances in 20 years – and then earn cement his place as a franchise quarterback with a lucrative nine-figure contract extension next offseason.
There’s good reason to believe Williams will become the franchise quarterback that Chicago has never had before. He has a great connection with Johnson, who was hired in large part to guide his development. He has talented playmakers to work with on offense in Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland. Most important, the entire Bears franchise is invested in Williams' growth.
Now, it's up to Williams to be the driving force behind meaningful, lasting success. That's what it takes to be one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.
Sid Luckman has led more wins than any quarterback in Bears history. Jay Cutler is second on that leaderboard – and also the leader in losses. The top 10 wins list among Bears quarterback includes the likes of Mitch Trubisky, Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton.
Quarterback wins are a fickle statistic that don’t tell the full story of countless contributions throughout a football game, but the reality is the best teams are led by great quarterbacks. With all due respect to Luckman, Cutler and the others, Williams should ultimately prove to be the best quarterback this franchise has ever seen.
Williams led the Bears to an ascension in Johnson’s first season in Chicago, guiding them to an NFC North title in large part due to six fourth-quarter comeback victories. He did so once more in the playoffs, leading the Bears back from a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter to earn a 31-27 win over the rival Packers. Some quarterbacks flounder in the clutch moments. Williams thrives in those spots. His challenge now is to be strong for all four quarters and guide the Bears to consistency.
The bar will be even higher for Williams this season. He's aiming to become the Bears’ first ever 4,000-yard passer. Pro Bowl recognition and even MVP consideration are in the picture. Of course, the true meaning in Williams’ third season will be tied to team success.
It’s up to Williams where the Bears go from here.
Emma's prediction: Bears 24, Panthers 21
The Bears will kick off the new campaign in familiar fashion, with Williams leading a late comeback victory to beat the Panthers. This should be a heck of a game between a pair of playoff teams from a year ago and a great way to start a much-anticipated season for Chicago football.
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
