2026 4-star QB Jonas Williams narrows list to four schools

Frankfort Heights (Ill.) Lincoln-Way East four-star 2026 quarterback Jonas Williams is ready for the next stage of his recruitment.

On Thursday, Williams narrowed his list of more than 25 offers down to just four schools: Ohio State, Alabama, LSU and Oregon.

“These schools made the top four because I picture myself in their system, they’ve shown me the most love, and they develop QBs,” he told On3’s Chad Simmons.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder is the No. 88 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also ranks as the nation’s No. 8 quarterback and No. 2 recruit in Illinois.

And while Williams doesn’t yet have a firm commitment date set, he does know what he’s looking for as he considers these final four schools.

“Relationships with coaches are big,” he told Simmons this spring. “I will be committing to a school, but the coaches, especially the quarterback coach, will be important to me. He is the coach I will spend the most time with, learn from and be around a lot. I am looking for a great coaching staff to play for, a stable program and the education will factor in as well.

What makes the programs in Williams’ top list stand out

Williams also talked with Simmons about what stood out about the Tigers and Buckeyes, as well as what he looked forward to seeing on his visit to Oregon.

The Crimson Tide, meanwhile, have replaced Oklahoma on his top list after he visited Tuscaloosa this spring and the Sooners took a commitment from 2026 passer Jaden O’Neal. He’s been to Alabama now three times, as well as three trips to LSU, four to Ohio State and one to Oregon.

LSU: “LSU develops quarterbacks. It is a top-tier school where I would be around great players every day. If I went to LSU, I would be challenged. I like the staff, how they are hard on players and LSU puts you in that environment that would be great for me to develop in.”

Ohio State: “I was at Ohio State when they offered and that was my third time there. I camped last summer, went to a game in the fall, then the visit this spring. Ohio State was one of my dream schools, so it was a big offer for me. They added Coach Chip Kelly and he is a great coach. He sends guys to the league and now with him and Coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has two coaches that develop quarterbacks. It would be a great system to play in.”

Oregon: “Oregon is known for the nice uniforms, but I have heard it is a nice place, so I want to get out there and learn more. Oregon has a good team, great coaches and they know how to develop players. I like Coach Stein, it was great when he offered me and Oregon is a school I want to visit.”