In a major recruiting shakeup, five-star linebacker Izayia Williams—the top-ranked linebacker in the 2025 class—has flipped his commitment from the Florida Gators to the Ole Miss Rebels. Williams announced the decision on social media Saturday evening, sending shockwaves through the college football world and giving Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss a massive recruiting win.
Williams, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound defensive force out of Warner Robins, Georgia, originally committed to Florida back in February, citing a strong relationship with Gators head coach Billy Napier and linebackers coach Jay Bateman. However, after a spring visit to Oxford and a sustained push from the Ole Miss coaching staff, Williams made the call to change course.
“This wasn’t an easy decision,” Williams said in his post. “I have a lot of respect for Florida and appreciate everything they’ve done for me, but after more talks with my family and seeing what Coach Kiffin is building, I feel like Ole Miss is the right place for me to grow on and off the field.”
For Ole Miss, Williams’ flip is monumental. The Rebels haven’t landed a linebacker of this caliber in recent memory, and his commitment instantly gives them one of the top defensive recruits in the country. Williams is ranked as the No. 1 linebacker and a top-15 overall prospect by multiple national services, praised for his elite instincts, sideline-to-sideline speed, and aggressive play style.
Lane Kiffin and defensive coordinator Pete Golding made Williams a top priority over the past few months, selling him on the opportunity to be a cornerstone of their defense and the centerpiece of a recruiting class that’s beginning to gain serious momentum.
“This is a game-changer for Ole Miss,” said national recruiting analyst Brian Dohn. “Williams brings SEC-ready size, speed, and leadership, and you don’t just find linebackers like him every cycle. He’ll be a face of this class and could push others to follow.”
For Florida, the loss is a tough pill to swallow. Williams was the crown jewel of their 2025 class and was expected to anchor the defense of the future in Gainesville. The Gators will now look to regroup and shift their focus to other top linebacker targets.
As for Williams, the move to Ole Miss sets the stage for what could be a standout college career in the SEC. With his combination of athleticism, toughness, and leadership, he’s expected to compete for early playing time and be an immediate difference-maker in Oxford.
In the ever-changing world of recruiting, Ole Miss just scored one of the biggest flips of the cycle—and it could pay dividends for years to come.