Five-Star Intel: Where LSU stands with Jonah Williams

Five-star Galveston (Tex.) Ball safety Jonah Williams is closing in on his college decision on Aug. 24. As his decision approaches, we run down where things stand for him.

I placed an On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine pick last week for the Tigers to land the No. 1 safety in America when he announces. Williams will choose between USC, Oregon, Texas, LSU and Texas A&M, but there’s a group that’s separating.

Most sources indicate that LSU and Texas A&M are the frontrunners with Oregon and Texas still battling away for him. That generally lines up with what we’ve heard throughout the recruitment in regards to the Tigers and Aggies.

While Texas got him on campus this weekend, the Longhorns didn’t even make the official visit list. A trusted source cautioned against getting too caught up in the buzz around Austin, but folks on the ground covering the Longhorns believe they’re in the mix. The actions in June didn’t line up with a prospect who is firmly considering Texas.

Oregon has done a terrific job recruiting him and Dan Lanning would like him badly, but distance is playing a big factor there, from what we’re told. The Ducks have a strong NIL package on the table that would make most consider removing distance as a factor in the decision.

Texas A&M is the school that’s given LSU plenty of competition. The Aggies have strong ties to Ball High and Williams is considered a must-land in College Station. Mike Elko’s staff has done a good job positioning itself for him and despite other schools garnering optimism, we’re confident the Aggies have firmly been in the Top 2.

The same goes for LSU. The Tigers have long been right at the top, we believe. Between Blake Baker, Jake Olsen and the pitch from LSU along with a strong NIL package, I’ve heard things are in a good spot for the Tigers. Between baseball and football working this recruitment together, I’ve liked the alignment I’m hearing about from LSU’s angle. LSU will meet with him virtually this week.

While it was disappointing the rough weather in Galveston caused his plans to change, sources on LSU’s side aren’t generally concerned. If he’d shown up at Oregon or Texas A&M instead, that’d be a red flag. Instead, Williams stayed home and relaxed after what’s been a wild summer for him.

Last month, he took official visits to USC , LSU , Texas A&M and Oregon . He’s now done with visits for the summer.

There’s generally a good amount of jockeying on the way to a final decision and SEC recruiting powers will be doing a bunch of that over the next few weeks. Williams doesn’t have a decision finalized, I’m told.

It would’ve been nice if the Tigers had gotten him on campus, but the highly-touted prospect continues to have strong communication with LSU and that’s important. The two sides will meet virtually over the coming weeks and continue to go over the pitch.

We’ll be keeping our ear to the ground, but what we’ve heard, LSU’s right in the mix for his pledge.

Scouting report on LSU target Jonah Williams

“Jumbo safety prospect with the size, athleticism and playmaking instincts to be a potential queen on the chessboard for defensive coordinators. Has linebacker size with the athleticism of a top defensive back. Measured in at 6-foot-3 ⅛, 206 pounds with 32.25-inch arms at the On3 Elite Series prior to his senior season. Registers as a top athlete in the combine setting. A true three-phase playmaker on Friday nights, lining up at safety, wide receiver and punt returner. An easy, fluid mover with a good top gear. Covers ground in a hurry.

“Shows outstanding range in coverage. Has high-level ball skills with the ability to track the football over his shoulder. Had four interceptions as a junior along with eight pass breakups. Capable of covering tight ends and receivers out of the slot. Has the skill level to be a wide receiver prospect if he wanted. A two-sport standout, as a talented baseball player who throws 94 MPH as a left-handed pitcher. Can continue making strides with his form and physicality as a tackler. Could potentially outgrow the safety spot due to his bigger frame. Rare movement skills and size give him the upside to be a game-changing movable piece at the college and pro level.”

The 6-foot-3, 206-pounder is the nation’s No. 10 overall prospect and top safety in the 2025 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also one of the nation’s top baseball recruits and is looking to play both sports in college.

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