Gators emerge as top school for 2026 4-star linebacker

Florida football has elevated itself as a top 2026 four-star linebacker prospect Izaya Williams after he withdrew his commitment to Syracuse just a week ago.

Florida inside linebackers coach Ron Roberts went to Williams’ school in May and made the 6-foot-2, 200-pound linebacker an offer. So it is quite evident that Billy Napier and his team hope to land the four-star defender.

Williams hails from Leesburg (Florida) Tavares and could remain in-state during his college career.

Top schools vying for Williams

Williams made it clear that the Gators, State of Florida and Miami are the “big dogs” in terms of schools he would play for in the state of Florida.

“These three are the ones who keep in touch with me the most” Williams told Swamp247. “I want to play football at a big school. Not to say that UCF and them aren’t big schools in the state, but these three are the big dogs in Florida. “

Williams also ranked the top three schools in Florida.

“Florida is number one, Miami is number two and Florida State is number three.”

What Williams likes about the Gators

Williams understands that academics play an important role and mentions that it is not a guarantee that a player will make it to the NFL.

“I really enjoy his studies,” Williams said. “It can’t be all about football, and I understand that not everyone is going to go to the NFL. I know I need to get the books right, but the football there is also good. What I like most about them is the atmosphere they have there.”

Williams’ relationship with Florida coaches

“Seeing coach (Austin) Armstrong and the rest of the guys,” Williams said of Florida’s coaches. “They’ve been calling me and talking to me. I talk to coach Armstrong a lot, coach (Ron) Roberts and I talk to coach (Cannon) Gibbs a lot.”

Williams mentioned that Roberts reminded him of his high school coach.

“Whenever I see (Roberts), he reminds me of my high school coach. They’re both good people who will coach him hard.”

Date of visit on game day

“I’m definitely going to go to that Florida-Miami game,” Williams said of the potential Gator games he wants to see in Gainesville.

Williams highlighted that he mainly wanted to see the coaches training and doing their jobs.

“I’ve seen practically everything there [Florida]so I just want to see the coaches coaching in a big game in the Swamp when it’s loud. See how the players are with them.”

Recruitment Summary

Williams told Swamp247 he’s not sure when exactly his decision will be made, but said, “Maybe spring of next year.”

Williams is ranked 126th overall and 11th nationally, according to the 247Sports compound while the On3 Industry Classification has it at numbers 150 and 13, respectively.

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This article was originally published on Gators Wire: Gators emerge as top school for 2026 4-star linebacker