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Bret Bielema's Florida pipeline grows with commitment of four-star LB
It has to be tough to get a player from the state of Florida to come join the Illinois Fighting Illini, but that's exactly what Bret Bielema and his staff were able to do.
On Monday, it was reported that Tony Williams, a linebacker from Jacksonville, Florida, has decided to go north to play football for the Illini. The person who broke the news was Williams himself, but this has been a decision a long time in coming for him.
Let’s go Illinois fans Committed @IlliniFootball @coacharchiemac @CoachEllerbrock @AaronHenry7 @BretBielema @rainesfootball @CHECKNSPORTS1 @JohnGarcia_Jr @Hayesfawcett3 @Recruit2Illini @SteezoDsgn @JWerner247 @On3Recruits @ChiefOskee pic.twitter.com/jDv0Hyscqw
— Tony “Ducie” Williams 4⭐️ (@3kDucie) April 14, 2025
According to Jeremy Werner of 247Sports, Williams had wanted to commit to Illinois months ago. Bielema and the Illini had told him that he'd have to shut down his recruitment in that situation, though, and the Florida product hadn't even yet seen campus.
That changed this past weekend when Williams took an official visit to Illinois. He committed to Bielema and the Illini halfway through the visit and then made the announcement on Monday.
This official visit came after a trip linebackers coach Arcie McDaniel down to Florida to try to make a connection with Williams.
"When Coach McDaniel came to my house, he wanted me to get up there as soon as possible. That was really like my cue if I was really going commit or not because Illinois has always been a priority from the jump. Us just seeing the vibes and everything, it just cleared my vision," Williams told 247Sports.
Again, that's quite a trick to get a Florida kid to sign up for midwest winters, but Williams felt the vibes were right with the Illini. The feedback he got from players already on the team made all the difference for him.
"Just spending time with the players and just knowing and having that feeling and just hearing all the players speak about the place. Like guys not even from the state, guys from the state of Florida and seeing how they love it and how they're able to call it a home," Williams explained.
Williams is a consensus three-star recruit, ranked as the No. 33 linebacker in the 2026 class. It is worth noting that Rivals and ESPN do rank him as a four-star, though.
Bielema's 2026 class now has seven commitments and he's building quite a pipeline to the state of Florida. Williams is the sixth recruit to commit to Illinois from the Sunshine State.
SMU, Miami, Iowa State and Missouri were also in the running.
More must-reads:
- Texas lands commitment from ex-Stanford WR bursting with potential
- Notre Dame lands four-star WR over Georgia, North Carolina
- The 'College nicknames that don't end in s' quiz
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2025 Georgia Bulldogs Football Season Preview: Kings of the SEC
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His 2024 playoff start showed poise, but consistency against SEC defenses is the next step. WR Dillon Bell (Senior): With 43 receptions, 466 yards, and 4 TDs in 2024, Bell is the veteran leader of a revamped receiving corps. His versatility to play multiple roles will stretch defenses. RB Nate Frazier (Sophomore): Frazier’s 671 rushing yards and 8 TDs in 2024 make him the lead back with Trevor Etienne’s future uncertain. His explosiveness is key to balancing the offense. LB C.J. Allen (Junior): With 76 tackles and an interception in 2024, Allen anchors a linebacker unit replacing Jalon Walker. His leadership will stabilize a young defense. CB Daylen Everette (Senior): Everette’s 9 pass deflections and 4 interceptions in 2024 make him the cornerstone of the secondary. His ability to lock down top receivers is vital. Projected Depth Chart (as of July 2025) Note: Depth chart projections are based on spring practice reports, returning players, and transfer additions. 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