Ole Miss Lands Nation’s No. 1 Linebacker Izayia Williams in Stunning Flip from Florida
In a bold and surprising recruiting move, the Ole Miss Rebels have secured a commitment from Izayia Williams, the nation’s No. 1 linebacker in the 2026 class. Williams, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound defensive powerhouse from Tavares, Florida, flipped his commitment from the Florida Gators to Lane Kiffin’s Rebels — marking one of the biggest coups in recent Ole Miss recruiting history.
What makes this commitment especially notable is the manner in which it happened. According to reports, Williams informed no one — not even his family or agents — before making the decision public. The unexpected flip followed an official visit to Oxford, Mississippi, where the coaching staff clearly left a strong impression.
Williams has had one of the most unusual recruiting paths of any top prospect, previously committing to Louisville, Syracuse, Florida State, and most recently, Florida. However, his switch to Ole Miss appears to be more than just another chapter in a chaotic journey. Since the announcement, he has wiped all prior affiliations from his social media, signaling a firm commitment to the Rebels’ program.
For Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss, this is a massive win — not just in acquiring elite talent, but in sending a message across the SEC that the Rebels are a serious player in the national recruiting conversation. Williams brings game-changing ability to a defense that’s steadily on the rise, and his presence could help shape the identity of the 2026 class.
With this commitment, Ole Miss continues to build momentum, showing that their recruiting pitch can compete with, and beat out, some of the nation’s most storied programs. Rebels fans have every reason to be excited — Izayia Williams may be the next defensive cornerstone in Oxford.
