Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Ole Miss Nearing Trouble As Nation's No. 1 LB Entertains Other Options

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 12:34 PM ET

The Ole Miss Rebels have done pretty well when it comes to the 2026 recruiting class, landing a total of 15 commitments, while ranking No. 9 in the SEC and No. 19 in the nation as they look to land their fourth straight top-20 class.

The biggest piece to that group is linebacker Izayia Williams, out of Leesburg, Florida and has stuck with the program for a good amount of time, originally committing on May 2 after flipping from the Florida Gators.

However, the Rebels may soon find themselves saying goodbye to the linebacker, as it's clear he's kept his options open for other interested teams.

What Other Teams Are Challenging Ole Miss?

Assuming others are making a run at Williams isn't just some guess either, because in an article from Rivals, national recruiting writer Hunter Shelton revealed which teams are sticking out.

"Other programs remain in pursuit, with Florida, Florida State and North Carolina among those still in communication with the No. 1 LB in the Rivals300," Shelton wrote. "While programs jockey for position, we hear more than one is willing to match the highest NIL offering to come his way."

Of course, communication is typically a two-way street, meaning that Williams is keeping his ear open for these other programs looking to snatch him away from Ole Miss.

Why Are Teams Interested in Williams?

The Rebels needing to fight off other programs doesn't come as a surprise considering Rivals places him as a four-star recruit, the No. 1 linebacker, the No. 3 player in Florida and the No. 27 player in the nation.

Last season for Tavares High School, he put up some tremendous numbers, including 125 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery, while also showing some versatility, rushing for 423 yards and six touchdowns.

What Other Linebackers Are Available?

The available linebackers left on the market are also another big reason as to why teams such as Florida, Florida State and North Carolina are all looking to make Williams flip, because this late into the offseason, the talent is thin.

In fact, three-star Anthony Davis (No. 36 LB), three-star DQ Forkpa (No. 44 LB) and three-star Dennis King (No. 48 LB) are the only linebackers who remain uncommitted and sit within the top-50 of Rivals rankings.

That, of course, puts all the more pressure on Ole Miss to ensure Williams does not leave, because trying to find a replacement will be hard to come by.

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

More must-reads: