While FSU is hoping the room will bounce back in 2026, the unit is in a position to make a solid impact over the coming years. That will ultimately depend on how the true freshmen acclimate to the college level.<\/p>\n
True Freshman Linebacker Could Be Difference-Maker For Florida State![\"Izayia](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01kncn2ye7tvj4706hmz.png\" "\\"Izayia")
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FSU Athletics\/YouTube<\/p>\n
Out of Florida State’s four linebacker additions from the prep level, four-star Izayia Williams is considered the cream of the crop. Williams isn’t participating in spring practice while recovering from an ACL injury, but that hasn’t stopped three-star Noah LaVallee and three-star Karon Maycock from making waves.<\/p>\n
When Williams does return the field, he has a chance to make an instant impact for the Seminoles.<\/p>\n
According to ESPN’s Tom Luginbill<\/a>, Williams is a perfect fit in Tony’s White system with his elite speed.<\/p>\n “Williams is dynamic,” Luginbill wrote. “He’s among the fastest linebackers in the class and fits well in Florida State defensive coordinator Tony White’s fast and flexible, 3-3-5 defensive scheme. <\/p>\n “His two-way ability, highlighted by 423 rushing yards and six touchdowns on just 23 carries, showcases the rare athleticism that translates perfectly to FSU’s fast-paced defensive system,” Luginbill added. “So does his 10.9 100-meter speed and 4.42 40-yard dash in a camp setting, which is elite for a linebacker.”<\/p>\n As Williams work his way back to full strength, his potential is alluring.<\/p>\n During his junior season at Tavares High School, Williams starred on both sides of the ball. He totaled 125 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, four sacks, one fumble recovery, and one interception. Williams added 23 rushes for 423 yards and six touchdowns while catching five passes for 97 yards and four touchdowns.<\/p>\n Despite being sidelined for his senior season, Williams was still regarded as the No. 136 overall prospect and the No. 8 LB recruit in the 2026 class according to the 247Sports Composite Ratings.<\/p>\n “While his initial development this spring will be limited to working his way back from an injury, when healthy, he can immediately find a role on special teams,” Luginbill wrote. “In time, Florida State’s linebacker corps will benefit tremendously with his combination of outstanding speed, athleticism, and explosive physicality as a tackler.”<\/p>\n Williams will be focused on getting back to himself this summer. Depending on his recovery, don’t be surprised if he pushes for playing time in fall camp.<\/p>\n Florida State kicks off its 2026 season against New Mexico State on August 29.<\/p>\n Who Does Florida State Have At Linebacker For The 2026 Season?<\/p>\n Mikai Gbayor, Redshirt Senior<\/p>\n Omar Graham Jr., Redshirt Senior<\/p>\n AJ Cottrill, Redshirt Senior<\/p>\n Blake Nichelson, Senior<\/p>\n Caleb LaVallee, Redshirt Junior<\/p>\n Brandon Torres, Redshirt Junior<\/p>\n Chris Jones, Junior<\/p>\n Chris Thomas, Junior<\/p>\n Ethan Pritchard, Redshirt Freshman<\/p>\n Izayia Williams, Freshman<\/p>\n Noah LaVallee, Freshman<\/p>\n Daylen Green, Freshman<\/p>\n Karon Maycock, Freshman<\/p>\n Stick with\u00a0NoleGameday\u00a0for more\u00a0FREE coverage of Florida State<\/a>\u00a0throughout the year.<\/p>\n Follow NoleGameday on and\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>,\u00a0and\u00a0TikTok<\/a><\/p>\n