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On3's No. 1 LB Izayia Williams commits to Florida

79417-removebg-preview (1)by:Corey Bender•03/06/25•

Corey_Bender

Izayia Williams Alabama Crimson Tide
On3 No. 2 linebacker Izayia Williams. (Credit: Chad Simmons/On3)

Billy Napier and the Florida Gators just hit the jackpot, as On3’s No. 1-ranked linebacker Izayia Williams has announced his commitment to the SEC program.

Williams, an Under Armour All-American from Tavares (Fla.) High, is a lifelong Florida fan who has been a top priority in recent months. That started with Napier and co-defensive linebacker Ron Roberts, and in recent weeks, new linebackers coach Robert Bala has turned up the heat as well.

Now, the No. 12 overall prospect is part of Florida’s 2026 recruiting class. The additional finalists were Alabama, Florida State, Colorado, Georgia and Penn State. Earlier in the process, Williams also made commitments to FSU, Louisville and Syracuse, respectively.

“I’ve always loved Florida. It was my favorite school. I just love Florida. To know they want me to come there and play (stands out),” Williams previously told Gators Online. “I think SEC football is the best football to play college, so I think that’s what it is. They have great coaches too.”

Another Gators staff member who has made a major impact on Williams is assistant linebackers coach Cannon Gibbs. You can make the case that Williams’ best overall relationship is with Gibbs.

“I talk to coach Gibbs (the most). We talk about 2-3 times a week. We talk about everything, like, Jesus Christ, everything we do every day, so we talk a lot. I got a great relationship with him,” Williams said. “I can talk to coach Gibbs about whatever. We are a little cooler than a lot of other schools.”

During the 2024 season, the 6-foot-1, 215-pound Williams racked up 137 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, six sacks, five pass breakups and an interception. That strong play carried over to Under Armour All-America week, as his performances caught the eye of On3 National Scout Cody Bellaire.

“Izayia Williams jumped on our radar from the start of practice. He was one of the most physically impressive linebackers in attendance,” said Bellaire. “Williams started off a little slow during practice but was one of the best linebackers in the game, tallying seven tackles. He has quite the future ahead of him if the game was any indication.

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