It’s not hard to see why Penn State has had such success recruiting highly rated linebackers to Happy Valley. James Franklin can simply sell Linebacker U’s heritage and the names of LaVar Arrington, Paul Posluszny, Micah Parsons, Abdul Carter, and several other Nittany Lion icons. Even LBU Dan Connor serves as the program’s linebackers coach.
However, such a legacy does not guarantee that Franklin and his staff will land every high school linebacker they pursue. On Thursday, 2026 five-star linebacker Izayia Williams chose Florida over Penn State, Alabama, and Florida State, serving as a stark reminder.
2026 five-star linebacker Izayia Williams commits to Florida
The Florida native named the Nittany Lions one of his five finalists in January, and while he chose the Gators in March, that doesn’t mean he’ll be in Gainesville by 2026.
The top linebacker in the 2026 class has already undergone a rigorous recruitment process. He pledged to Louisville in November 2023, but decommitted a few months later before committing to Syracuse in the spring of 2024. By the start of his junior season, Williams had de-committed from the Orange, but he swiftly signed with Mike Norvell and the Florida State Seminoles, committing in early September. Williams’ dedication to the Noles waned in 2024, and he now plays for the Florida Gators.
Penn State is a potential destination for Williams, who is expected to have a memorable National Signing Day. Franklin loves an uneventful signing day and usually has his class set well in advance of each player’s signature. However, in 2025, he made an exception for four-star tight end Andrew Olesh, who transferred from Michigan on signing day.
Williams, like Olesh, is the type of athlete for whom an exception may be made, and as signing day for the 2026 class approaches, the freshly minted Florida commit will be one to watch. The appeal of LBU is strong for young linebackers, and while St1x C1ty will be occupied by LaVar Arrington Jr. for the next four seasons, Williams may still sign on and wear a different number in Happy Valley.
