Billy Napier & the Florida Gators receive massive commitment news from 5-star linebacker

The Florida Gators added a massive player to their 2026 recruiting class with the commitment of the top linebacker. On3’s Hayes Fawcett reported Thursday via X that Florida received a commitment from linebacker Izayia Williams.

He picked the Gators over the Alabama Crimson Tide, Penn State Nittany Lions and Florida State Seminoles. Williams is a native of Leesburg, Florida, and attends Tavares High School.

He also received offers from the Georgia Bulldogs, Colorado Buffaloes, Miami Hurricanes, USC Trojans, Texas Longhorns, and others. The linebacker comes in at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds. After Williams’ commitment, Florida’s 2026 recruiting class now has three commitments.

Williams was a Syracuse commit beginning in April of last year. However, he reopened his recruitment back in August. According to On3 Sports, he is a four-star linebacker in the 2026 class, the No. 1 player at his position, and the No. 2 player from the state of Florida. The Gators’ class now contains Williams, four-star quarterback Will Griffin and three-star safety Devin Jackson.

BREAKING: Elite 2026 LB Izayia Williams has Committed to Florida, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’1 215 LB from Tavares, FL chose the Gators over Alabama, Florida State, & Penn State

He is ranked as the No. 12 Recruit (No. 1 LB) in ‘26 per On3 🐊https://t.co/9eh3uS1OdZ pic.twitter.com/KshOlH0fab

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) March 7, 2025

The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine had Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, Penn State and Colorado all in the running for the four-star prospect.

Florida prioritized getting Williams familiar with the program, being tied with Alabama for the most visits among his top choices. The Gators have had Williams on campus for three unofficial visits and have an official one scheduled for June 13.

Head coach Billy Napier just had his best finish yet since taking the Florida job in 2022. His team finished the year at 8-5 after a 33-8 win over Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl.

Florida opens the 2025 season at home against Long Island on Aug. 30.