It’s not hard to figure out why Penn State has had some much success recruiting highly-rated linebackers to Happy Valley. James Franklin can simply sell the legacy of Linebacker U and names like LaVar Arrington, Paul Posluszny, Micah Parsons, Abdul Carter, and numerous other Nittany Lion legends. Even LBU Dan Connor is on staff as the program’s linebackers coach.
However, that type of legacy doesn’t guarantee that Franklin and his staff will land every high school linebacker that they’re after. They got a tough reminder of that on Thursday when 2026 five-star linebacker Izayia Williams committed to Florida over Penn State, Alabama, and Florida State.
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
2026 five-star linebacker Izayia Williams commits to Florida
Back in January, the Florida native included the Nittany Lions as one of his five finalists, and though he chose the Gators in March, that does not guarantee that he’ll be heading to Gainesville in 2026.
The top-ranked linebacker in the 2026 class has already had a busy recruitment process. He originally committed to Louisville in November of 2023, then de-committed a few months later before committing to Syracuse in the Spring of 2024. By the time his junior season began, Williams was de-committed from the Orange, but quickly latched on to Mike Norvell and the Florida State Seminoles, committing in early September. As the Noles fell apart in 2024, so did Williams’ commitment, and now he’s a Florida Gator.
Penn State is likely not out of consideration for Williams, who is a safe bet to have an exciting National Signing Day. Franklin typically prefers signing day to be uneventful and usually has his class locked in well before each player finally puts pen to paper. However, in 2025, he made an exception for four-star tight end Andrew Olesh who was a signing day flip from Michigan.
Like Olesh, Williams is the type of talent to make an exception for, and as signing day nears for the 2026 class, the newly minted Florida commit will be one to keep an eye on. The allure of LBU is powerful for young linebackers, and while St1x C1ty will be occupied by LaVar Arrington Jr. for the next few seasons, Williams could still hop on board and wear a different number in Happy Valley.
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