Four-star linebacker Izayia Williams has flipped from Florida to Ole Miss, leaving Florida with quarterback Will Griffin as their only commitment for the Class of 2026.
This marks Williams’s fifth commitment after previously choosing Louisville, Syracuse, Florida State, and Florida. Following his visit to Ole Miss last weekend, Williams removed all Florida-related content from his social media. He currently ranks as the nation’s top linebacker on On3 and third overall in the 247 Sports Composite.
Despite Williams’s departure, Florida remains firmly focused on Lakeland’s Malik Morris, who has long been a top target for the Gators. Morris ranks as the 13th-best linebacker and 197th overall prospect in the 247 Sports Composite, while the On3 Industry Rankings lists him as the 11th-best linebacker and 183rd overall player. Morris earned The Ledger All-County Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024, starring for a Lakeland team that finished 13-1 and reached Florida’s 5A title game. He recorded 95 tackles, nine sacks, and three forced fumbles. Morris also contributed on offense, scoring five rushing touchdowns.
Andrew Ivins of 247 Sports offers this scouting report of Morris:
“Pit bull of a linebacker that sees the game better than most his age as he breaches gaps and gets ball carries on the ground. Extremely active in the box as he seeks and plays through contact. Quick to read with and diagnose with his eyes and can swiftly change course, if needed. Downhill charge has proven to be a headache for opposing running backs on Friday nights, but doesn’t appear to be the type of athlete that’s going to win every foot race. Owns more of a muscled-up build at this stage, which could have him in the lineup sooner rather than later on Saturdays. However, does look to have some limitations with the frame as he isn’t the longest front-seven defender. Two-way snaps and multi-sport participation elevate already exciting junior tape. Overall, should be viewed as a physical, two-down inside linebacker that can rack up the tackles for a Power Four program. Likely to be at his best in short-yardage situations where he can ram his way into the backfield and help create chaos as that has been the case the past few years for one of the Sunshine State’s more respected high school programs.”
Morris has visited the Gainesville campus twice already this year, showing consistent interest. After Williams’s decommitment, Morris—who was already a high-priority target for Florida—has become an even more crucial prospect for the Gators.
Support Gators Breakdown and get your Florida Gators merch at Fanatics
0 Comments