In a significant coup for Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels, four-star linebacker Izayia Williams has flipped his commitment from the University of Florida to Ole Miss. The news comes as a major boost for the Rebels’ 2025 recruiting class and underscores their growing influence in the highly competitive SEC recruiting landscape.
Williams, a standout prospect out of Tampa, Florida, had originally pledged to the Gators earlier in the year. However, after an official visit to Oxford and sustained efforts from the Rebels’ coaching staff, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker announced his decision to change course and commit to Ole Miss.
Ranked among the top linebackers in the nation, Williams is known for his explosive speed, instinctive play, and versatility in both run-stopping and coverage. His commitment gives Ole Miss a dynamic playmaker on defense, and his flip from Florida is seen as a symbolic victory in the ongoing SEC recruiting battles.
“I felt the most love from the coaches and players at Ole Miss,” Williams said in a statement. “It just felt like home.”
With the addition of Williams, the Rebels continue to climb in national recruiting rankings and establish themselves as serious contenders in the SEC. The move also marks a recruiting setback for Florida, which had hoped to build its 2025 defensive unit around talents like Williams.
As signing day approaches, this flip signals that the recruiting war in the SEC is far from over.
