Not long ago, 2025 Palatine (Ill.) four-star defensive tackle Jaylen Williams seemed like a lock for Michigan football. However, his recruitment to the maize and blue appeared to lose momentum. Recently, though, things have taken a positive turn. In fact, Williams is currently on an official visit to Ann Arbor, which wasn’t certain just a few weeks ago.
Before his visit, Williams announced his top group, and Michigan football is a finalist along with Texas A&M, Tennessee, and Nebraska.
NEWS: Four-Star DL Jaylen Williams is down to 4️⃣ Schools, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’6 250 DL from Palatine, IL is ranked as a Top 25 DL in the ‘25 Class (per On3 Industry)
Where Should He Go?👇🏽https://t.co/cg6BMaCJzo pic.twitter.com/aO9gUR30Ie
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 7, 2024
247Sports ranks Jaylen Williams as the No. 153 overall player, regardless of position. Michigan football seems to be leading the race for his commitment, with four 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions favoring him becoming a Wolverine, the latest from Allen Trieu earlier this week.
Trieu’s scouting report describes Williams as having a tall, long frame with athleticism and a basketball background. He gets off the ball quickly, making numerous plays in the backfield. In high school, he often wins with his size and strength, but will need to improve his technique against stronger college competition. While he has some experience standing up, he’s likely to be a 290-300+ pound lineman in college, fitting well as an end in an odd-front defense. In a 4-3 scheme, he might start as a combo player but will probably grow into an interior role. Though he’s still developing and has some raw aspects to his game, his high-major physical gifts and hard play provide a solid foundation.
Williams also has offers from Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Iowa, Miami, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon, USC, and Wisconsin.
