Texas picks up commitment from 5-star LB Jonah Williams

Five-star outside linebacker Jonah Williams announced his commitment to Texas on Saturday, according to On3's Hayes Fawcett.

The Longhorns fended off fellow finalists LSU, Oregon, Texas A&M, and USC to add Williams to their 2025 recruiting class.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Williams is the top-ranked outside linebacker and No. 2 recruit in the state of Texas, according to the ESPN 300. He's also rated as the No. 8 overall prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle.

The Galveston, Texas, native is considered a safety by other recruiting services. Williams expects to begin his collegiate career at safety.

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

The Ball High School star plays several positions and is also considered a standout baseball prospect. A talented pitcher and outfielder, Williams is also expected to play baseball for the Longhorns upon his enrolment, per Lederman.

Pro Scouts from the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers, among other MLB teams, have contacted Williams, according to CBS Sports' Andrew Ivins. The left-handed Williams has reached 94 mph throwing from the pitcher's mound and has been clocked at 3.5 seconds running from home plate to first base on a bunt. Evaluators reportedly view the multisport star as a center fielder if he chooses to pursue a career on the diamond.

Williams produced six pick-6 returns over the past two years and has found the end zone another eight times as a kick returner.

The Longhorns landed a commitment from fellow ESPN 300 pledge Nicolai Brooks on Friday before Williams' commitment.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian has now secured verbal pledges from 10 ESPN 300 recruits, including receiver Kaliq Lockett and quarterback KJ Lacey.