"Who doesn’t want to be a part of winning?” Four-star LB target Izayia Williams sees potential future in Kalen DeBoer's Alabama

Four-star linebacker Izayia Williams (from the Class of 2026) is making the most of his experience at the prestigious Under Armour All-America Game. The standout prospect from Tavares High School in Tavares (Florida) provided an update on his recruitment during the media day on Sunday and revealed Alabama's pitch in his recruitment.

"When I think about Alabama, I think about all the great stuff that happened there,” Williams told Touchdown Alabama. “They’re winners. So, it’s like who doesn’t want to be a part of winning?”

Alabama has struggled in Kalen DeBoer's first season but that didn’t dampen the 6-foot-2, 215-pound prospect's enthusiasm, especially when it comes to the Crimson Tide's defensive system.

“I like their scheme,” Williams added. “I like how they use two linebackers. That shows they have confidence in their linebackers. I like watching Jihaad (Campbell) and D Law (Deontae Lawson) play. They all play.”

With Alabama's season ending with the 19-13 loss against Michigan last month, DeBoer and his coaching staff would shift focus to recruits like Williams for a potential commitment in the 2026 class. Crimson Tide's 2026 class has only one recruit, four-star cornerback Zyan Gibson.

Izayia Williams opens up about his decommitment from Florida State

Izayia Williams committed to Florida State in September due to his strong connection with Mike Norvell and the program's overall atmosphere, but he backed off the pledge in early November. While many thought the Seminoles' terrible season was the reason behind the decision, he clarified that was not the case. He said (via Noles247):

“I remember they weren’t that good in (2022) and then they got good the next year, but then they fell back down. That’s not why I decommitted — because they were losing. I knew coaching changes were coming. They were saying they were going to get fired and I didn’t know who the next (assistant) coaches would be.”

Norvell fired three assistant coaches amid the lackluster season, including offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and wide receiver coach Ron Dugans. These coaching changes can create a sort of uncertainty amid prospects.

The Florida Gators are the front-runners in Williams' recruitment, with On3 giving them a 98.2% chance of landing his commitment. The linebacker recorded 137 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and six sacks this season.