Red Oak four-star wide receiver Taz Williams Jr. committed to Baylor in a press conference at his high school. With 50 offers from programs all over the country, including schools like LSU, Alabama, Georgia and Michigan, Williams' pledge to the Bears immediately became a hot topic of discussion among football fans.
Michigan seemed to hold a leading position in the race to earn Williams' commitment, with Penn State also making a late surge. However, against expectations, the 6-foot, 190-pound WR from Red Oak, Texas, opted for the Bears, a program not even originally included in his top four program considerations.
Taz Williams' decision was intensely analyzed by fans and analysts.
"That’s a little fishy," a fan wrote.
The movement was not totally unexpected, as speculation had been rife in the hours leading up to Williams' commitment that Baylor had pulled off a major coup with a big NIL package.
"Money talks," one tweeted.
"Baylor came in with that bag," a fan wrote.
Let's look at some highlighted reactions to this.
Critics on social media also questioned the long-term implications of Williams' choice.
"No, they just have to figure out what they’re gonna do with this talent. I wish this young man luck, but this was not a great decision for his future future. I don’t believe," a fan wrote.
"After you collect the bag and are tired of losing we will welcome you to State College with open arms," a fan tweeted.
Taz Williams is the No. 81 wide receiver and No. 85 recruit from Texas in the 2025 cycle, according to On3. 247Sports ranks the No. 52 wide receiver and No. 55 recruit from Texas.
During his junior season in 2023, Williams recorded 80 receptions, along with 1,251 yards and 14 touchdowns, while his sophomore season saw him amass 582 yards and five touchdowns on 31 receptions.
Why did Taz Williams Jr. pick Baylor over other top programs?
Taz Williams didn’t have Baylor in his final four programs. While he had previously visited the Bears, it was the commitment of his close friend, Kamauryn Morgan, that reignited his interest in the program. Following Morgan's pledge in July, Williams wasted no time in reconnecting with Baylor's coaching staff for an official visit.
NIL obviously played a big role as well, but it was the personal touch and persistent efforts of Baylor's coaching team that ultimately sealed the deal. Bears running backs coach Khenon Hall and wide receivers coach Dallas Baker are two notable names here.
“Coach Khenon Hall is working hard to get the recruits in and show them Baylor is on the rise and that they just had a bad year last year,” he told Sic'EM 365 following his spring visit.
“Dallas Baker is a players coach for sure. He has won on all levels and is a champion. He has a ton of experience to share on and off the field. Coach Khenon Hall and Coach Dallas Baker are being real and honest. They really care about their players.”
Taz Williams now joins three other blue-chip commits in Baylor's 2025 class: Edge Kamauryn Morgan, running back Caden Knighten and wide receiver Jacorey Watson.
With Williams' commitment, Baylor continues to enjoy a successful recruiting spree in July, securing its position with 16 commitments for the 2025 class. The Bears' current recruiting efforts place them 34th in the nation and third in the Big 12, according to the 247Sports team rankings.