With eight commitments, Penn State’s 2026 high school recruiting class is currently ranked No. 4 nationally and could get a significant boost after one of the nation’s top linebackers, Izayia Williams, included the Nittany Lions in his top five choices on Thursday night. Williams, a four-star recruit from Leesburg, FL, also listed Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Florida State among his finalists.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound linebacker has had a tumultuous recruitment journey, making any commitment at this point uncertain. Williams initially committed to Louisville in November 2023, but de-committed two months later. He then committed to Syracuse after receiving an offer in Spring 2024, only to de-commit in August before his junior season. On September 4, 2024, Williams committed to Florida State but backed out in November.
While Williams’ decision will be one to monitor until signing day, a commitment to Penn State would be a major win. James Franklin has recruited Florida exceptionally well, and Penn State’s reputation for developing successful linebackers likely plays a role in Williams’ interest.
Currently, Penn State does not have a linebacker committed for the 2026 class, but they did secure LaVar Arrington Jr., Cameron Smith, Dayshaun Burnett, and Alex Tatsch for 2025. Arrington is expected to shift to edge rusher, and Burnett was listed as a defensive lineman on signing day, but Smith and Tatsch are likely to remain as off-ball linebackers.
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