"When is the pain going to go away?" That's surely what Florida State fans must be thinking right now, as freshman linebacker Izayia Williams is officially out for the season due to a knee injury. What?! Unfortunately, insider Matt Zenitz just dropped the news on us all, and it only adds to the long list of problems for head man Mike Norvell.
Williams was one of the highest-rated signees for Florida State's 2026 class, ranked four stars, with a 94.4 point grade. Only cornerback Chuck Kennon was rated higher (97.3). Because of that, the hope and expectation was that Williams would be electric for the Noles this fall. Now, before things could really even get started for him, Williams is out for the year. Just brutal.
Promising Florida State true freshman linebacker Izayia Williams is expected to miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 11, 2026
Unfortunate development. The Class of 2026 top 140 overall recruit was expected to be a factor for FSU this season. pic.twitter.com/LxoiZzlXv5
Elite Florida State freshman LB Izayia Williams is out for the year with a knee injury
Again, when will the bad news end here? This is extra concerning for Williams, as this injury is in the same knee in which he tore his ACL previously, which cost him his senior season. Despite that, Williams was ranked the No. 8 linebacker in the country when he signed with the Noles, adding to his hype before even making the move to Tallahassee.
Originally, he was committed to Florida, but he backed off that pledge, eventually giving the Ole Miss staff his verbal. However, Norvell never gave up going after him, eventually pulling off a head-turning flip. Now, though, Williams is going to have to work his way back from this serious knee injury - you've got to hate this kind of adversity arriving for him so early in his college career, too.
Earlier in the week, major concern arrived among the fanbase, as Williams posted a video of himself on social media with a brace on his knee. We now know it's because he got hurt, and everyone will have to wait until next season at the earliest to see him back in action.
Against New Mexico State in the season-opener, the 'backer didn't record any tackles, but he was on the field for seven defensive snaps. He was limited to special teams action in the deflating loss to SMU.
While it wasn't quite the hot start in the first two games for Williams, you had a feeling as the season progressed, he was going to take strides. This injury has robbed him of that opportunity, which sure stings for Norvell and his entire staff, too. Things just keep going from bad to worse for this team.
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