Nation's No. 1 Linebacker Flips Commitment for Fifth Time in Two Years

Nation's No. 1 Linebacker Flips Commitment for Fifth Time in Two Years originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Four-star linebacker Izayia Williams, a dynamic two-way standout from Tavares High School in Florida, has landed in Tallahassee for the second time.

The nation’s No. 1 linebacker recruit according to Rivals flipped his commitment to the Florida State Seminoles on Friday, marking the fifth time he has changed programs in less than two years. The decision ends one of the most winding and closely followed recruitments in the 2026 class.

His mother, a lifelong Seminoles supporter, has the iconic garnet-and-gold spear tattooed on her arm. That family tie, coupled with a months-long pursuit by Florida State’s staff, created a pull that no other program could match.

The flip also comes on the heels of a challenging summer for Williams, who underwent knee surgery earlier in the week before making the call to rejoin the program he first committed to in September 2024.

Williams’ recruitment has been nothing short of remarkable. He committed to the Louisville Cardinals in November 2023, then decommitted before pledging to the Syracuse Orange in April 2024. By September 2024, he was on board with Florida State, but that change lasted only until November.

Elite LB Izayia Williams Recruitment Timeline: https://t.co/mDXhC40U3Tpic.twitter.com/LLG6oQbcF4

— Rivals (@Rivals) August 15, 2025

In March, he chose the Florida Gators, only to flip to the Ole Miss Rebels in May. Now, just three months later, he has come nearly full circle, pledging once again to the Seminoles and shutting down his recruitment for good.

The move solidifies Florida State’s 2026 class with its highest-ranked commitment and gives the Seminoles a player who blends elite speed, size and football IQ. At 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, Williams is widely regarded as one of the most athletic linebackers in the country, with the versatility to excel in multiple roles.

Izayia Williams’ Flips And Final Decision

Seminoles coach Mike Norvell stayed in regular contact with Williams during his rehab, repeatedly telling him, “I’m going to coach you one day.” That belief resonated deeply, especially after months of uncertainty.

Florida State defensive assistants John Papuchis and Tony White also maintained strong ties, outlining a plan for Williams to come in as a true freshman and play the middle linebacker position.

The vision of him anchoring the middle of the Seminoles' defense, paired with the chance to stay closer to home, sealed the deal.

“It’s a big relief to me,” Williams said. “Trying to visit five schools takes a lot of time away from school and everything. I had a good time doing it, and I don’t regret it. I’m thankful for the schools that recruited me, it was an honor through this process. But a piece of my heart has always been in Tallahassee.”

Izayia Williams Anchors Florida State’s 2026 Class Momentum

Williams joins a deeply balanced, fast-rising Florida State 2026 recruiting class, one many project as a major step forward. The Seminoles boast 22 commitments, placing them among the top 15 nationally and third in the ACC. The group has a class rating at 90.58, signaling a clear rise from previous cycles.

That class includes several high-impact names:

• Chauncey Kennon, a five-star cornerback from Sarasota, ranks as FSU’s top-tier defensive back.
• Xavier Tiller, a four-star tight end from Georgia, brings length, athleticism and contested-catch toughness as the top offensive prospect in the class.
• Jaden O'Neal, a four-star quarterback from Oklahoma, is among those who could soon land with the Seminoles as they push to solidify that vital position.
• Earnest Rankins, a four-star defensive lineman, stands out as possibly the class’s highest-rated commitment. His 6-6, 285-pound frame and burst off the line immediately beef up FSU’s front, joined by fellow linemen Tico Crittendon and Wihtlley Cadeau, forming a strong interior trio.
• Jay Timmons, a four-star safety and son of former Seminole linebacker Lawrence Timmons, flipped his commitment from Indiana. His 42-tackle, four-interception, state-title senior season gives the Seminoles a versatile playmaker in the secondary.
• Jakobe Green, nicknamed “Big Show,” brings local strength and size to the offensive line. At 6-3 and 335 pounds, he ranks among the top interior linemen in the country.

Williams, ranked among the top linebackers in the nation, serves as a linchpin on the defense, complementing Kennon in the secondary and Rankins in the trenches to form a formidable incoming group of defenders.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 15, 2025, where it first appeared.