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Blue-chip 2026 linebacker recruit includes Penn State among SEC and ACC contenders
Four-star linebacker Izayia Williams’ recruitment has been full of twists and turns, including several de-commitments, but Penn State is emerging as a serious contender for his commitment.
By
Josh Yourish
|
Jan 17, 2025
Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin
Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With eight commitments so far, Penn State’s 2026 recruiting class is currently ranked No. 4 in the nation, and it could gain a major boost after one of the nation’s top linebackers, Izayia Williams, included the Nittany Lions in his top five on Thursday night. Williams, a four-star prospect from Leesburg, FL, listed Penn State alongside Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Florida State.
At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, the linebacker’s recruitment has had its fair share of ups and downs, making any commitment at this stage somewhat uncertain. He initially committed to Louisville in November 2023 but de-committed two months later. After receiving an offer from Syracuse in Spring 2024, Williams committed to the Orange, only to de-commit again in August before his junior season. In September 2024, Williams committed to Florida State, another finalist, but de-committed from the Seminoles in November.
Williams will remain a key prospect to follow until signing day, and his eventual commitment would be a major win for Penn State. Head coach James Franklin has recruited Florida exceptionally well, and the legacy of successful linebackers at Penn State likely plays a role in Williams’ interest in the Nittany Lions.
Though Penn State has yet to land a linebacker commitment for the 2026 class, they did secure a few notable linebackers in 2025, including LaVar Arrington Jr., Cameron Smith, Dayshaun Burnett, and Alex Tatsch. While Arrington is expected to transition to edge rusher and Burnett was listed as a defensive lineman on signing day, Smith and Tatsch are expected to remain at off-ball linebacker.
