The Florida Gators have secured a significant commitment from linebacker Izayia Williams, a top prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 215 pounds, Williams hails from Tavares High School in Florida. He is recognized as the No. 3 linebacker nationally according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, and the No. 6 safety in ESPN’s rankings for the 2026 cycle .
Williams’ recruitment journey has been dynamic. He initially committed to Louisville in late 2023 but decommitted two months later. In April 2024, he pledged to Syracuse, only to decommit in August. Subsequently, he committed to Florida State in September 2024 but decommitted in November during the final weeks of the program’s challenging season . After a period of reevaluation, Williams reopened his recruitment and ultimately chose Florida over other programs such as Alabama, Georgia, and Penn State .
His commitment to Florida was influenced by several factors. Williams expressed a strong connection with the coaching staff, particularly head coach Billy Napier and defensive coordinators Austin Armstrong and Ron Roberts. He appreciated their genuine interest in him as a person, not just as a player, which played a significant role in his decision .
On the field, Williams had an impressive junior season at Tavares High School, recording 125 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, four sacks, one fumble recovery, and one interception that he returned 57 yards for a touchdown. Offensively, he rushed for 423 yards and six touchdowns on 23 carries, averaging 18.4 yards per carry, and added five receptions for 97 yards and four touchdowns .
This commitment marks a significant addition to the Gators’ 2026 recruiting class, which now includes four-star quarterback Will Griffin and three-star safety Devin Jackson. Williams’ decision to join Florida is seen as a positive development for the program as they continue to build a strong recruiting class )
In summary, Izayia Williams’ commitment to the Florida Gators adds a highly talented linebacker to their 2026 recruiting class. His athleticism, combined with his strong connection to the coaching staff, makes him a valuable addition to the program’s future success.
