Another recruiting run in Provo?
Well, a step has been taken.
Hype? Yeah, but it’s late April and there’s a thirst for recruiting news.
Four months ago, BYU’s football staff signed the No. 21 recruiting class in the country, headlined by quarterback Ryder Lyons.
Now, the Cougars appear off to a solid start in the Class of 2027 with the commitment last Thursday of Tustin, California defensive tackle Jeremiah Williams, coupled with previous pledges from Nevada running back Ezra Sanelivi and Utah athlete Tytan DeJong.
Very early in the game, BYU’s 2027 class ranks No. 58 in the country. Williams is 6-foot-and-a-half inches tall and weighs just over 310 pounds. He is widely considered a top 300 prospect in the entire country in the Class of 2027, as his strength and lower center of gravity give him unique traits for a nose tackle and even service as a running back.
In a Friday interview with Ben Criddle on ESPN 960 radio, Williams said he had narrowed his college choices to BYU, Arizona State, UCLA, North Carolina and Arizona, though he holds scholarship offers from schools around the country. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is half Samoan and half Black.
As far as deciding on BYU, Williams said he felt the love around the program — how love is the center of what the coaching staff does — and he believed it was the best fit for him.
“Coach (Kelly ) Poppinga and coach Sione (Po’uha) were the main coaches who recruited me,” Williams said. “They have been calling and texting me about twice a week this past year.”
It’s way early, and commitments are not signees yet, but there’s plenty of buzz about Williams and the momentum he gives the Cougars heading into spring, junior days and on-campus camps.
Williams said he compares his game and aspires to play like former St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams tackle Aaron Donald, a run disruptor who can move over and play fullback on the other side of the ball and blow up the line.
Recruiting analysts have highlighted Williams’ powerful, compact build, explosiveness, leverage and ability to dominate the interior line despite limited length and height.
From a 247 Sports player evaluation by Gabe Brooks comparing him to former NFL defensive tackle Daylon Mack: “Powerful interior DL with sawed-off build but stout presence. Shorter and wider with startling explosiveness relative to mass.
“Productive defensive playmaker vs. the run and as an interior rusher. Quick off the snap and plays with leverage thanks to natural pad level. Also gets backfield touches [on offense as a short-yardage RB], displaying surprising lateral redirection and downhill burst with the ball in his hands.”
Some other notable observations from recruiting analysts on social media:
As a junior in 2025, Williams recorded 67 tackles (24 for loss), five sacks and 15 hurries in 11 games on defense, while contributing offensively as a bruising running back (170+ rushing yards and touchdowns in limited carries).
He has also competed in track and field (100m dash).
Analysts note Williams’ two-way production and athleticism for his size, though some point out length as a potential limitation at the next level.
Overall, the consensus from recruiting circles is excitement about his high-motor and powerful, athletic interior presence that could translate well to BYU’s defense under Poppinga and Po’uha.
“Honestly, it’s a true blessing,” said Williams. “You know, God gave me the opportunity to get recruited by all these schools and honestly, I’m grateful for this opportunity. It’s honestly a stress relief now that I’m finally committed.”