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Former 5-Star Recruit Reveals Why He Left Florida State for Deion Sanders, Colorado

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 12:00 PM ET

When wide receiver Hykeem Williams joined the Florida State Seminoles as a member of the 2023 recruiting class, there was hope he would come in and develop into a star.

However, that never really materialized. In the past two seasons, Williams has appeared in 17 games, hauling in just 21 receptions for 267 yards and two touchdowns, leading him to transfer to the Colorado Buffaloes for 2025.

Now, in a video posted to the "Reach The People Media" YouTube channel, he dug a little deeper into his decision to join head coach Deion Sanders in Boulder. Sanders played his college ball for Florida State.

“The production, I mean, it's the best here for real," Williams said. "Honestly, you getting put on the biggest showcase. You know what I'm saying? And I mean, it connects. I mean, you getting coached by some of the best. They done did it. ... A lot of NFL come through here, so why not?”

Of course, as mentioned by the wide receiver, Colorado draws a lot of attention, and per 247Sports, its 2024 average viewership of 4,178,692 per game was the 10th most of any team.

They also had three wide receivers taken in the 2025 NFL draft, the most of any program, as Travis Hunter went to the Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 2), LaJohntay Wester joined the Baltimore Ravens (No. 203), and Jimmy Horn Jr. went to the Carolina Panthers (No. 208).

Considering those departures, Colorado and Sanders are losing a good amount of production, as the trio combined for 207 receptions, 2,630 yards and 26 touchdowns, which means Williams could come in and play a significant role.

Considering that 247Sports Composite rankings had him as a five-star recruit, the No. 3 wide receiver and the No. 30 player in the nation out of high school, there's no doubt he has a lot of talent. It will remain to be seen if it's put on full display.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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