It is hard to find a better high school linebacker in all of America than Izayia Williams.
The top linebacker recruit in the 2026 recruit class is continuing to look for the perfect place to play college ball.
Izayia Williams’ Recruitment Journey: From Florida Commit to Open Exploration
Despite committing to play at the University of Florida back in March, the Tavares, Florida native has kept his options open.
According to On3, Williams has either visited or stayed in contact with the likes of Florida State, Colorado, Ole Miss, and Penn State in recent months.
Multiple teams continue to push for elite Florida LB commit Izayia Williams👀
Williams is the No. 1 LB in the 2026 On300.
Read: https://t.co/v6hvSndkco pic.twitter.com/mOqgl8cbsb
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) May 1, 2025
Those four, along with Florida, appear to be the most likely destinations for one of the nation’s rising defensive stars.
Why Florida?
Simply put, head coach Billy Napier could use a commander in the middle of his defense, especially in a tough SEC.
The two-way high school player has the ability to run sideline-to-sideline than most, and his vision is elite. If the Gators could land the Under Armour All-American Game participant, it would be a steal.
Why Colorado?
Head coach Deion Sanders has had a knack for attracting talent wherever he has been a coach.
After turning the Colorado program around in just two seasons, he is going to need all the help he can get to turn the team into a national title contender. Williams is the player you go get if you want an elite defense.
Why Florida State?
After a very difficult two-win season in 2024, head coach Mike Norvell is looking to build up his roster once again.
Defensively, the Seminoles struggled to get off the field on third down and create turnovers in the process. The addition of a middle linebacker like Williams, who has a nose for the ball, can greatly help.
Why Penn State?
With the addition of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the Nittany Lions could bring along an elite prospect such as Williams, too. Together, those two could form a strong duo for years to come.
This would be crucial for head coach James Franklin, who is searching once again for a way to beat Ohio State.
Why Ole Miss?
Head coach Lane Kiffin has certainly kept things interesting in Oxford during his tenure down there. However, he has not yet made the College Football Playoff.
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Building a championship contender always starts with defense, and being able to sign Williams over would do wonders for Kiffin’s unit.
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