Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels have faced a significant recruiting loss during the 2025 cycle. Elite linebacker Izayia Williams has officially flipped his commitment from the Rebels to Florida State, dealing a blow to the Rebels’ defensive recruiting.
Williams, who was the No 1 linebacker recruit in the country on Rivals, committed on Aug. 15, 2025. The 6’1″, 215-pound linebacker from Tavares High School in Leesburg, Florida, mentioned an emotional connection to Tallahassee for the Kiffin & Florida State.
Here’s what Williams said, explaining his decision to join the Florida-based side:
“A piece of my heart has always been in Tallahassee.”
Rivals’ No. 1 LB recruit Izayia Williams has flipped his verbal commitment fro Ole Miss to Florida State. He has also shut his recruitment down ahead of January enrollment.
“A piece of my heart has always been in Tallahassee.”https://t.co/alSuY8zNAb pic.twitter.com/N16J2hwKKF
— John Garcia, Jr. (@JohnGarcia_Jr) August 15, 2025
However, this flip was a huge deal for Ole Miss that was much bigger than just losing a recruit. Williams represented a key building block for their 2026 defensive class, and his flip will necessitate the Rebels immediately shifting focus onto other linebacker prospects.
Williams had previously narrowed his choice to five schools in January 2025, with Florida, Florida State, Penn State, Georgia, and Alabama being the final picks.
Lane Kiffin’s Rebels Still Building Despite Linebacker Loss
Despite this recruiting miss, Ole Miss is still building what some are calling a strong 2025 roster. The Rebels are ranked No. 21 in the AP preseason poll entering the season, setting the stage for another impressive season.
Kiffin’s program filled potential losses from in-season departures through an active transfer portal. Ole Miss brought in the No. 2 transfer class in the country, adding eight scholarship players across various positions.
Included in the transfers are quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, offensive lineman Terez Davis, and defensive backs Tavoy Feagin, Ricky Fletcher, and Antonio Kite. They also added backup quarterback Maealiuaki Smith, running back Damien Taylor, and safety Wydett Williams Jr. to add players across the 85-scholarship roster.
The Rebels also have a solid high school recruiting class. A plethora of freshmen will join the Rebels under traditional recruiting, including running back Shekai Mills-Knight and wide receiver Caleb Cunningham.
The linebacker position continues to be dominant, despite Williams leaving for UM. Returning linebackers TJ Dottery and Andrew Jones were named to the preseason Butkus Award watch list. They are a rock at the position while they search for added depth.
Ole Miss faced a similar situation last year when starting running back Quinshon Judkins declared for the NFL Draft. Judkins had previously been with the Missouri program, but Ole Miss was able to replace Judkins by addressing their needs in the transfer portal by getting Kewan Lacy in the transfer portal from Missouri, as well as by giving the freshmen reps.
Kiffin enters his sixth year leading the Rebels after winning 10 games in 2024. One can reasonably assume that the program will progress from this recruiting shortcoming.
Also Read:
- Fan Reactions on Lane Kiffin’s Brutal Troll On SEC Rivals
- Ole Miss Star Jaxson Dart’s Stats
- Pat McAfee’s Apology to Ole Miss Student Mary Kate Cornett
