Things are looking dicey for Billy Napier. It’s like a perfect storm of bad news on the defensive front. First, he lost four-star CB Jaelen Waters. And to add insult to injury, his secondary coach, Will Harris, jumped ship to in-state rivals Miami. Now, the biggest blow: Izayia Williams, Florida’s top target and No. 2 linebacker, is having second thoughts. He was practically a lock for the Gators, but now big-name programs are sniffing around. The transfer portal giveth, and the transfer portal taketh away. He’s staring down the barrel of a potential defensive rebuild disaster. It’s like his best-laid plans are going up in smoke.

Well, Izayia Williams’ recruitment is gaining momentum this summer, with six official visits confirmed and a commitment expected on July 4. The process begins with Penn State in May, ends with Florida State in June, and includes powerhouse programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. Colorado, an up-and-coming team, has also secured a spot on his schedule. Each visit will help the four-star linebacker determine his best fit.

However, this is where the fireworks start. Initially, Florida seemed to have a strong 97% chance of landing Williams, but he has since broadened his options. Five more schools have entered the picture, complicating Billy Napier’s plan. This isn’t what the Gators HC wanted when he desperately needed game-changers on defense.

Let’s be real, there’s no doubt that the Gators’ defense had their own share of good moments last season. But let’s not forget their early struggles. Allowing 27.3 points per game in the first four weeks and managing only eight sacks. Now nabbing talents like Williams is crucial for redemption. Sure, Izayia Williams has a whole year to decide, but losing a top linebacker like him would be a huge blow, especially since the Gators were this close.

Now Izayia Williams’ journey has already been eventful. Though he decommitted from Florida State in November, Williams remained interested in them. Besides FSU, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Penn State are still competing, with Colorado making a late entry. His stellar performance at Under Armour All-America week increased his desirability, confirming his status as the No. 2 linebacker.

His performance at the Under Armour All-America week just cemented the fact that he’s one of the top defenders in the 2026 class. Plus, his seven tackles were among the best for linebackers. Even Scout Cody Bellaire took notice and said, “Izayia Williams jumped on our radar from the start of practice. He was one of the most physically impressive linebackers in attendance… He has quite the future ahead of him if the game was any indication.” Now, in between all the praises, there’s a team making a strong impression on Izayia Williams, leaving Coach Napier on alert.

Alabama is making a strong impression on Izayia Williams

Well, Izayia Williams is not just a top-tier recruit; he is a significant threat to opposing offenses. With 137 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and six sacks last season, he possesses the disruptive qualities that every defense desires. His upcoming summer visits will play a crucial role in his final decision, with Alabama being a prominent contender.

As Izayia Williams focuses on finding the right fit, the Crimson Tide has captured his interest. His visit to Tuscaloosa on June 6 aligns with Alabama’s impressive reputation. “I love the energy during the games and stuff. The coaches, they’ve got a plan for everybody that they are recruiting,” he said. For Izayia, the SEC grind and Alabama’s ability to develop top-tier talent are something that stood out.

Alabama needs a player like Izayia Williams—a dynamic, athletic linebacker with serious NFL Combine potential. Even at 215 pounds, his track-and-field background gives him explosive speed and agility. Williams closes gaps in a flash and delivers bone-jarring tackles. His sideline-to-sideline range is impressive, and his coverage skills are only getting better. With a who’s who of college football chasing him, the million-dollar question is: who’ll win the Izayia Williams sweepstakes?