In a decision that’s sending shockwaves through the college football landscape, Williams Smith, a towering 7-foot, 265-pound athletic marvel and the No. 1 high school football player in the country, has officially committed to the Miami Hurricanes. Choosing the Hurricanes over SEC powerhouses Tennessee and Georgia, Smith’s decision marks a seismic win for Mario Cristobal’s program—and possibly the most unique recruitment of the decade.
A rare blend of size, agility, and instinct, Smith has been on the radar of every major program in the country since his freshman year of high school. But what truly sets him apart isn’t just his physical gifts—it’s how he uses them. Despite standing a full seven feet tall, Smith moves with the fluidity and lateral quickness of a linebacker, the explosiveness of a defensive end, and the intelligence of a seasoned quarterback. Recruiting analysts and scouts often resort to calling him a “once-in-a-generation” athlete, and that description might not even do him justice.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Smith has been a spectacle since middle school. By the age of 13, he had already reached 6-foot-6, yet unlike many oversized teens, his coordination kept pace with his growth. A two-sport athlete early in his career, Smith dominated both basketball and football, earning statewide recognition and viral social media attention for his highlight-reel dunks and bone-crushing sacks. But it was football that stole his heart—and where he saw his future.
“I love basketball, but football always gave me a different kind of energy,” Smith told ESPN in a post-commitment interview. “I like contact. I like leading. I like changing the game with one play.”
His recruiting journey was one of the most followed in recent memory, not only because of his unusual height for a football player but also because of the massive stakes attached. Programs from every Power Five conference vied for his services. Smith held over 40 offers, including Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, LSU, Oregon, and Florida State. But in the end, it came down to three: Miami, Tennessee, and Georgia.
Georgia, located just under two hours from his hometown, made a compelling pitch. Kirby Smart and his staff envisioned Smith as the next evolution of the hybrid edge rusher—a player who could set the edge with his length and dominate offensive tackles with unmatched power and technique. The Bulldogs already boast one of the most feared defensive units in college football, and adding a prospect of Smith’s caliber would’ve been a terrifying proposition for opponents.
Tennessee, meanwhile, offered Smith a vision of stardom. Josh Heupel’s high-octane system and growing national profile were major draws. The Vols made a late push with a creative NIL package and a well-documented, glitzy campus visit that included former players, celebrities, and a custom orange Lamborghini painted with Smith’s initials.
But it was Miami—the once-proud program looking to return to national relevance—that captured Smith’s heart.
“I believe in what Coach Cristobal is building. I want to be a part of something that isn’t just about winning games. It’s about making history,” Smith said. “Miami felt like home from the beginning. The culture, the city, the swagger—it matches who I am.”
Cristobal, who has made elite recruiting a cornerstone of his tenure, pulled out all the stops to land Smith. The Hurricanes rolled out a comprehensive plan for his development, one that included a tailored nutrition and conditioning program, a mentorship network of NFL alumni, and a clear path to stardom on and off the field. Miami also emphasized life after football, aligning Smith with business opportunities, media training, and a connection to the ever-growing South Florida entertainment scene.
“I sat down with Coach Cristobal and he didn’t just talk about football. He talked about life. About legacy. About leadership. That stuck with me,” Smith said.
Smith’s role at Miami could be game-changing. While listed as a defensive lineman, he’s expected to play all over the field. Some projections have him lining up as a 5-tech edge, others as a hybrid stand-up linebacker in exotic formations. With his wingspan and vertical leap, he could even see snaps in goal-line situations on offense—Cristobal has reportedly joked about using him as a red zone tight end or even as a “jumbo slot.”
Though it’s rare for a player of his size to dominate at multiple positions, Smith has defied norms at every stage of his young career. His high school tape looks like it’s out of a video game. In his senior season alone, he racked up 21 sacks, 38 tackles for loss, six blocked kicks, and even returned two interceptions for touchdowns. He also rushed for four short-yardage touchdowns and caught a pair of highlight-worthy fades in the red zone.
Despite his dominance, Smith carries himself with humility and maturity beyond his years. Coaches rave about his work ethic, character, and leadership. “He’s not just the biggest player I’ve ever coached, he’s the best teammate,” said Marcus Fletcher, Smith’s high school coach at Trinity Christian in Georgia. “He pushes himself harder than anyone else and lifts everyone around him.”
His commitment to Miami has already had a ripple effect. Within hours of his announcement, multiple high-profile recruits posted cryptic messages on social media hinting at their own decisions. Smith’s presence alone may draw other top-tier talent to Coral Gables, especially in the defensive trenches. He’s the kind of player that not only anchors a class but defines a new era.
