Missouri DL commit Williams Nwaneri remains No. 1 overall recruit in updated On300 rankings

On3 has updated its recruiting ranking for the 2024 class following the first month of the high school football season. Lee’s Summit (Mo.) North five-star defensive lineman and Missouri commit Williams Nwaneri remains the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 On300 after taking the top spot in On3’s previous ranking release.

The latest edition of On3’s 2024 rankings features 19 five-star players, up from 15 in the previous update in April. Of those 19 prospects, 17 are already committed to college programs, with five-star wide receiver Micah Hudson and defensive lineman David Stone the latest to come off the board to Texas Tech and Oklahoma, respectively.

The 6-foot-6, 265-pound Nwaneri committed to Missouri on Aug. 14, choosing the Tigers over Oklahoma and Georgia. He’s one of the highest-ranked pledges ever for Mizzou. Oklahoma has continued its pursuit and will continue to try and flip him until National Signing Day in December.

“It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made,” Nwaneri said of choosing Mizzou. “But I had to do what was best for me.”Really, I felt like I was most comfortable with that coaching staff. It’s close to home and all that, so I felt like it was the right decision for me at the time.”

Just three days after committing to Mizzou, Nwaneri was seen wearing Oklahoma gloves and cleats. He has not yet shut down his recruitment, keeping the door open for the Sooners.

“I’m just having fun with it. Showing love and all that,” Nwaneri told Sooner Scoop. “I had to show love… They’re still recruiting me and all that, but I’m going to let everything play out, let the whole season play out, but I don’t know. I’m committed to Mizzou, though.”

Williams Nwaneri Scouting Summary

On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power writes this about him as a prospect:

“The most physically-gifted defensive line prospect early on in the 2024 cycle. Has an elite frame, measuring in at over 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot wing-span and an 11-inch hand. Moves very well for his size. Clocked a sub-5.0-second electronically-timed 40-yard dash prior to his junior season. Also shows fluidity with change of direction in the camp setting. Flashed some of his high-end potential as a sophomore, showing the ability to create disruption from multiple spots on the defensive line.

…Has the range and athleticism to run down skill players from behind. Still developing in terms of technical skill at the position but has immense upside and capacity for improvement. Could project to a number of spots along the defensive front. But looks to be a defensive lineman long-term given his frame and potential to add substantial mass.”