Hurricanes offers top-50 Syracuse commit Izayia Williams: "Miami has always been a school that I wanted to go to"
Back on April 15, fast-rising Leesburg (Fla.) Tavares On300 Class of 2026 safety Izayia Williams announced his commitment to the Syracuse Orange, but that has not stopped the Miami Hurricanes from offering the Sunshine State blue-chipper.
The talented defensive back was offered by Miami linebackers coach Derek Nicholson, who believes the versatile athlete can potentially be used in multiple ways at the next level.
“I was really happy getting that offer from Miami,” Williams told CaneSport with the offer coming on April 25. “They like how I am very versatile, and they really like my film.”
Growing up in Florida, Williams has always hoped for an offer from the Hurricanes and didn’t believe it would come during his sophomore year, but he is glad to have it now nonetheless.
“Miami has always been a school that I wanted to go to,” Williams explained. “But I thought the offer would come later, maybe during my junior year or senior year. I love Miami and would want to be part of that program. A lot of great players have played at that school, like Ray Lewis and some other guys as well.”
With the offer now on the table, Williams, who is the No. 49-ranked prospect in the 2026 class according to the On300, is looking forward to getting down to Coral Gables for an in-depth look at what the program has to offer.
“I haven’t been down there yet, but I will be there soon,” Williams said. “I really want to talk to the coaches and see how they are. Also, take a look at the facilities and what they have there for me.”
Despite the 6-foot-1/2, 200-pound safety’s commitment to Syracuse, Williams is not shutting the door on Miami or any new programs that will offer, as his recruitment is just beginning to take shape.
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As a sophomore, Williams registered 40 tackles, including six stops for loss, two sacks, three passes defended, two forced fumbles, and an interception.
“I haven’t been to a lot of schools yet, and my recruitment has really just started blowing up,” Williams explained. “I’m not just going to close my recruitment down and not pay any other schools attention. As I get the new offer, I want to talk to the coaches and see how everything is.”
When navigating through the recruiting process, Williams will be focusing on finding a program that not only feels like home for him but his family as well, among other aspects.
“I want to go somewhere I can play and to a place I really want to be at,” Williams said. “Also talking with my parents if that’s a place they’re comfortable with me playing at.”
CaneSport’s take
The rising sophomore is one of the best prospects in the 2026 class, and Miami has recognized that early. Williams is the second Syracuse commit from the 2026 class (Palm Bay (Fla.) Heritage four-star athlete Demetres Samuel) that the Hurricanes have offered in the last two weeks and another in-state prospect they would love to keep home.
