Steve Sarkisian's Texas lands commitment of five-star safety Jonah Williams to the class of 2025

Five-star safety Jonah Williams, from Ball High School in Texas, has announced his commitment to the Texas Longhorns. He chose coach Steve Sarkisian's program over Oregon, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and LSU.

Williams’ recruitment was led by Texas’ special teams coordinator, Blake Gideon and defensive coordinator, Pete Kwiatkowski. The Longhorns hosted him for an official visit over the summer and he returned to Austin in late July for an unofficial visit.

The hiring of Texas head baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle also played a part in focusing his attention on Texas.

"It was just the coaching staff and the atmosphere and the life after football part," Williams told 247 Sports. "It was just too good of an opportunity to give up."

Williams' decision was also swayed by his connection to the Austin area, where much of his family resides.

“You know they send guys to the league,” Williams said ( via On3). “If you’re a good player you will go to the league from anywhere but why not do it for the home state?"

Williams recorded 20 receptions for 474 yards and eight touchdowns, along with two more rushing scores, while also scoring 58 tackles, two fumble recoveries, eight passes defended, four interceptions and a forced fumble on defense. He also made contributions to special teams by returning two kicks for six and two punts for touchdowns.

"I feel confident that I'm going to see the field early," Williams told ESPN. "I'm going to work to see the field early because the safety room isn't really deep."

What does Jonah Williams' commitment mean to Texas' 2025 class?

Jonah Williams' commitment helps Texas aim for a top-five recruiting class in 2025. He becomes the 18th commitment in the cycle, which ranks No. 8 in the nation and No. 6 in the SEC.

Williams' commitment is especially notable following the flip of Kade Phillips to LSU. He is now the sole safety prospect committed to Texas and his arrival adds to the 2025 class that also features wide receiver Kaliq Lockett, edge rusher Lance Jackson, linebacker Elijah Barnes, tight end Nick Townsend and running back James Simon.

Williams became the highest-ranked recruit in the 2025 class for the Longhorns. According to On3’s Director of Scouting, Charles Power, he combines exceptional athleticism and movement skills with the physicality of a linebacker.

Williams ranks as the No. 10 player in the nation, the No. 1 safety in the 2025 class and the No. 3 player in Texas, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.