4-star LB Izayia Williams commits to Florida: 'It is where I want to be'

On April 15, Izayia Williams committed to Syracuse. Two weeks later, Florida offered. He thought about committing around that time. Florida State was heavily involved and the Seminoles landed his commitment in October, but he decommitted in November.

After taking a few months to rethink his recruitment, Williams decommitted from the Orange.

Florida State has always been high on his list. Schools like Alabama and Georgia have been too. But he grew up a fan of the Gators and the No. 43 prospect in the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking has committed to Florida.

“I grew up a fan of the Gators and I can’t turn the opportunity to play at Florida down,” Williams told On3. “Florida is a top public school academically and I can get a great education there. The coaches have recruited me really hard and Florida is where I want to be.”

Wiliams visited Gainesville multiple times, both for games and regular visits. He was back in the summer, and even while committed to Syracuse, he knew where he wanted to go.

“I can’t lie, as soon as Florida offered, I knew back then. I grew up loving the program. As a kid, I thought I was going to be a quarterback, so I followed Tim Tebow and I loved the Gators.

“Florida was the 10th school to offer me. That meant a lot. As soon as I got the Florida offer, that is who I was thinking about. Syracuse, Florida State and others are great schools and I like their coaches, but I have known for a while that I was going to Florida.”

Coaching staff in Gainesville was key

Austin Armstrong and Ron Roberts recruited Williams for Florida. Cannon Gibbs has been highly involved as well. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound four-star linebacker likes his connection with the staff.

“They check on me a lot and I am able to talk them about things that aren’t about football. We can talk about real life, they like me for me and I have some good relationships with them. They are great coaches, but I really like how they have recruited me.”

Billy Napier is the leader of the football and Williams has gotten to know him too. He sees a bright future in Gainesville.

“Coach Napier is a great coach and he is going to do big things at Florida,” Williams said. “He is getting Florida back. Top recruits are picking Florida and coach Napier is going to win some big games.”

Williams has an official visit scheduled with Florida for June 13.