Izayia Williams, the No. 1 linebacker in the 2026 class and a four-star prospect from Tavares, Florida, has been a hot topic for fans, this time not for his on-field talent but for his rollercoaster recruitment journey.
Earlier today, Williams made headlines again, switching his commitment from the Florida Gators to Ole Miss. This decision has inspired reactions and raised questions about his earlier claims of being a “loyalty guy.” This latest twist adds another chapter to a saga with more flips than a gymnastics routine, leaving both programs eagerly wondering what’s next for the elite defender.
Izayia Williams Flips Again as Fans Question Loyalty
Williams’ recruitment journey has not been straightforward lately. It all started in November 2023, when he first committed to the University of Louisville. But two months later, in January 2024, he decommitted, setting the stage for a pattern that would define his high school recruiting years.
Izayia Williams recruitment timeline:
Commits to UL – Nov 2023
Decommits – Jan 2024
Commits to Syracuse – Apr 2024
Decommits – Aug 2024
Commits to FSU – Sept 2024
Decommits – Nov 2024
Commits to Florida – Mar 2025
Flips to Ole Miss – May 2025 https://t.co/WKdkizrZFY— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) May 2, 2025
By April 2024, he pledged to Syracuse, only to back out again in August. September 2024 saw him commit to Florida State, but that didn’t last either; he decommitted in November. Last week, Williams seemed to find a home with the Florida Gators, even declaring his recruitment “100% shut down” and emphasizing his loyalty to the program. Yet, less than two months later, today again, he flipped to Ole Miss, a move announced by On3 Recruits on X.
This recent decision came just after Williams officially visited Oxford, where head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff have positively impacted recruiting.
Sources reveal that the team’s ability to develop talent and send players to the professional level likely played an indispensable role in influencing Williams’ decision.
He is a potential game-changer on defense. At 6’1” and 215 pounds, the linebacker has the size, speed, and instincts to make an immediate impact, tallying 125 tackles and four sacks in his junior season at Tavares High School, as reported by ESPN.
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That said, Williams’ earlier comments about loyalty have caught people’s attention and sparked some discussion. When he committed to Florida in March, he emphasized his commitment, calling himself a “big loyalty guy” and assuring fans he was locked in.
That narrative unraveled quickly with his flip to Ole Miss, and fans haven’t held back since in pointing out the irony.
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