Florida football recently completed a flip of four-star defensive back [autotag]Demetres Samuel[/autotag] from an ACC school and appears to be perched to pounce on another from the same program.
Four-star linebacker Izayia Williams out of Leesburg (Florida) Tavares in the 2026 cycle is currently committed to the Syracuse Orange but has still entertained interest from elsewhere. The 6-foot-1-inch, 205-pound defender welcomed inside linebackers coach [autotag]Ron Roberts[/autotag] to his school back in May and came away with a pleasant surprise: an offer from the Orange and Blue.
Since then, the Gators have been pushing for the rising high school junior and their efforts appear to be coming to fruition. On3’s Corey Bender gave [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] and Co. a recruiting prediction machine pick for Williams on Thursday.
Justification for RPM pick
“For several months now, Williams has told Gators Online that Florida has the best shot at flipping him,” Bender begins. “That was reiterated again on Thursday and exactly a week after his latest experience in Gainesville.”
The Orange and Blue run deep with the in-state prospect and that has played a large role in favoring Florida for the flip.
“That is largely due to the Gators being Williams’ childhood-favorite program. That love for the SEC school is still very strong, with the defender saying this week he ‘grew up a Florida Gator.’ He also added that his commitment to Syracuse is currently ’50/50,’ so there is optimism in Gainesville right now.”
Florida’s flip outlook
“Going forward, Williams plans on attending Florida’s season opener against Miami,” Bender continues. “That strong level of familiarity definitely plays a factor, but linebackers coaches Ron Roberts and Cannon Gibbs are doing their job here. Williams’ relationship with them is as good as it gets.
“It’s early in the process, but the Gators are generating the most momentum with the 6-foot-1, 215-pound linebacker. The pieces are in place for a future flip.”
Recruiting Summary
Williams is ranked No. 126 overall and No. 11 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 industry ranking has him at Nos. 150 and 13, respectively.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
