If you’ve spent any time at all in a Chicago sports bar over the last few decades, you know the drill. It’s always the same story: a revolving door of quarterbacks, high hopes followed by "maybe next year," and a defensive unit that looks exhausted because they're on the field 45 minutes a game. But things feel weirdly different right now. If you're looking for who is the Chicago Bears quarterback, the answer is Caleb Williams, and for the first time in a generation, fans aren't just saying his name with a grimace.
The kid has somehow survived the Chicago quarterback curse.
Honestly, after that 2024 rookie season, people were worried. He was sacked 68 times. Sixty-eight! That’s enough to make any human being want to retire and take up professional gardening. But look at him now in early 2026. Coming off a 2025 regular season where he threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, Williams has officially transitioned from "Heisman hope" to the undisputed face of the franchise.
The State of the Quarterback Room in 2026
The Bears aren't just riding with Caleb and a prayer. They’ve actually built a room that makes sense. Right now, Caleb Williams is the starter, but the depth behind him is what’s kept the team stable through a high-stakes playoff run.
- Caleb Williams (Starter): The #1 overall pick from 2024. He’s 24 years old, stands 6'1", and basically plays like he’s got a GPS in his arm.
- Tyson Bagent (Backup): The Shepherd University legend. He’s the ultimate "safety net" guy who knows the playbook better than the coaches sometimes.
- Case Keenum (Veteran Presence): They brought in the 37-year-old vet to basically be the "grandpa" of the room. He’s there for the vibes and the brainpower.
It’s a balanced group. You have the superstar, the capable backup, and the guy who has seen every defensive scheme known to man.
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Why the 2025 Season Changed Everything
Basically, the Bears stopped trying to make Caleb Williams do everything by himself. In 2024, the offensive line was... let's be polite and say "porous." This past season, the front office finally got serious. They brought in Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson at guard, plus Drew Dalman at center. Suddenly, Caleb had more than 1.5 seconds to throw the ball.
The result? He led seven fourth-quarter comebacks this season. That’s the most by any quarterback under age 25 in the history of the NFL. Just last week in the Wild Card round, he dragged the team back from an 18-point halftime deficit against the Packers to win 31-27. It was gritty. It was ugly. It was exactly what Chicago needed.
Breaking Down the "Caleb Effect"
What makes Williams the Chicago Bears quarterback people actually want to talk about isn't just the stats. It’s the way he handles the city. Chicago is a tough place to play—fans here will love you until they don't, and the shift happens fast.
Williams hasn't blinked. Whether it’s his bold fashion choices or his "built for this" attitude during press conferences, he’s embraced the spotlight.
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"I am built for these moments. I can do whatever my team needs," Williams told reporters on January 6, 2026.
That kind of confidence used to get quarterbacks laughed out of Halas Hall, but when you're putting up nearly 4,000 yards in your second year, people tend to listen.
The Supporting Cast (The Weapons)
You can't talk about the QB without talking about who he's throwing to. The 2026 Bears offense is a video game roster.
- DJ Moore: Still the primary target, pulling down lasers on third-and-long.
- Rome Odunze: The second-year breakout star who has developed a "telepathic" connection with Williams.
- Colston Loveland: The rookie tight end from Michigan who has become Caleb's favorite security blanket in the red zone.
- Luther Burden III: Another rookie who adds that "take it to the house" speed.
Is He Better Than Previous Bears QBs?
Let’s be real. The bar for being a "great" Chicago quarterback was buried in the basement. Before Caleb, the franchise record for passing yards in a season was 3,835 (Erik Kramer in 1995). Caleb just blew past that with 3,942 yards in 2025.
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He’s already holding rookie records for attempts, completions, and yards. But more importantly, he’s winning games that the Bears used to lose. The 11-6 record this past season wasn't a fluke; it was the result of a modern offense finally clicking under head coach Ben Johnson.
People used to compare every new QB to Jim McMahon or (briefly) Jay Cutler. Now? They’re just comparing Caleb to Caleb.
What to Expect Moving Forward
As of today, January 18, 2026, the Bears are in the thick of the Divisional Round against the Rams. Win or lose today, the "quarterback question" that has haunted Chicago for fifty years is officially answered.
If you're watching the game or checking the roster, keep an eye on #18. He’s not just the guy under center; he’s the reason the Bears are a legitimate threat in the NFC again.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Check the Injury Report: Before any game, verify the status of DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, as Caleb’s efficiency drops significantly when his top two targets are sidelined.
- Watch the Blitz Pickups: Caleb’s biggest growth in 2025 was his ability to identify pre-snap pressure. If the defense isn't disguising their blitzes, he's going to carve them up.
- Follow the Cap Space: With Caleb on a rookie contract (roughly $9 million this year), the Bears have a two-year window to keep adding elite talent before his inevitable monster extension.
Monitor the post-game analysis from the Divisional Round to see how Williams handled the Rams' defensive pressure, as this will be the blueprint for how teams attack him in the 2026 season.