BREAKING: Top priority 3-star DL Makhi Williams-Lee commits to NC State
NC State set off its Fourth of July Fireworks a couple of hours early Thursday, picking up a critical commitment from Makhi Williams-Lee. The three-star defensive lineman was one of the Wolfpack’s top priority recruits left on the board.
Williams-Lee, a 6-1, 290 pound defensive lineman for Atlanta (Ga.) Lakeside High, added an offer from NC State May 14 as his recruitment expanded rapidly. He received a wave of Power Five scholarships over the past couple of months, emerging as a key recruit in the Pack’s 2025 class.
After taking three official visits, the rising senior committed to NC State over Oklahoma and Texas Tech. He also held offers from Kansas State, Mississippi State and Kansas. Williams-Lee officially visited the Wolfpack first, spending June 7-9 in Raleigh.
That trip was about what he expected. It was his first time in Raleigh, but he already had a solid connection with defensive line coach Charley Wiles— his primary recruiter.
“It was good,” Williams-Lee said. “I enjoyed being around them. It actually went as planned. They’re very good people.”
Williams-Lee will likely play nose tackle with the Wolfpack but has the versatility to play any position along the program’s three-man front. Going into this visit, he had questions about the scheme. The lineman saw his fit into the defense by the end of his trip.
NC State’s staff impressed him. He spoke with Wiles and head coach Dave Doeren during the trip and saw how much time and effort they pour into their jobs.
“You could tell they love what they’re doing,” Williams-Lee said. “They’re passionate about what they’re doing, and they want the best for you.”
Redshirt freshman linebacker Kelvon McBride hosted the Wolfpack commit during his visit, and he also spent a lot of time with freshman linebacker Joshua Ofor.
Following his trip to Raleigh, Williams-Lee visited Oklahoma June 14-16 and Texas Tech June 21-23. He informed the NC State staff of his decision following official visits and announced the commitment publicly on his birthday.
On3 considers Williams-Lee the No. 88 defensive lineman in the country and the No. 97 prospect in Georgia. The rising senior recorded 22 tackles for loss and 10 sacks last season with Lakeside High, competing in the 6A classification of Georgia prep football.
He is the No. 13 commit of the Wolfpack’s 2025 class, the third defensive lineman, joining Omarian Abraham and Colby Cronk and the second commit from Georgia alongside running back RJ Boyd.
