Tony Williams brings downhill violence and verified production to Illinois’ 2026 linebacker class
Williams is a compact, physical inside linebacker prospect whose 2024 junior season at Raines produced 101 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles, the kind of stat line that screams “run stopper with juice” and explains why Illinois beat out several Power Four programs for him. He’s viewed as a steady, high-motor defender with take-on strength and playmaking instincts, and he entered Illinois as a four-star/three-star level recruit depending on the service, with ESPN listing him as the No. 8 ILB and On3 ranking him among the nation’s better linebackers. He looks like a fit if your defense wants a rugged, tone-setting tackler who can hunt in traffic and bring edge every snap.
