Top 2027 CB Bryce Williams Includes Syracuse in Final Six as Orange Push Deeper into South Florida
Syracuse is making moves in the Class of 2027, and one of the biggest names on their board just gave them a major boost. Four-star cornerback Bryce Williams, one of the top defensive backs in the country, has trimmed his list of preferred schools down to six-and the Orange made the cut.
Joining Syracuse on Williams’ shortlist are Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Nebraska. That’s elite company, and it speaks volumes about the work the Orange coaching staff has put in behind the scenes.
“They’ve put a lot of effort into recruiting me,” Williams said. “Multiple coaches come down to see me and recruit me hard.
The relationships are strong.” One of those relationships is with Syracuse nickels coach Marcus Walker, who recently had what Williams described as a “really good visit.”
This isn’t just about one recruit-it’s part of a broader strategy. Syracuse has been working to establish a stronger foothold in talent-rich South Florida, and Williams fits that mold perfectly. He plays at Western High School in Fort Lauderdale, just north of Miami, and brings the kind of playmaking ability that’s hard to ignore.
At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Williams has the frame and athleticism college coaches dream about at the cornerback position. He’s long, physical, and disruptive in coverage. Last season, he racked up 12 pass breakups while helping lead his team to the 7A state championship game, where they came up just two points short.
Syracuse is in the market for a future starter at corner, with Chris Peal eventually moving on and Demetres Samuel Jr. holding down one spot. Williams could be a natural fit in that next wave of defensive talent, especially with his length and instincts on the outside.
He’s already taken visits to Florida and Nebraska and has a trip to Clemson lined up for March 7. His recruitment has been fluid-he originally committed to Florida State last April but backed off that pledge in December, shortly after the Seminoles fired cornerbacks coach Patrick Surtain Sr. That move hit close to home for Williams, as Surtain had previously coached his older brother at American Heritage (FL).
Despite the decommitment, Williams’ stock hasn’t dipped. He remains a consensus top-25 cornerback nationally and one of the top 25 overall players in Florida. That’s the kind of profile that can elevate a recruiting class-and Syracuse, which has yet to land a cornerback or a four-star prospect in its current eight-man 2027 class, knows it.
Bryce Williams isn’t just a name to watch-he’s a potential cornerstone for a Syracuse defense looking to reload with elite talent. And with the Orange pushing deeper into South Florida, his decision could signal more than just a single commitment. It could be a sign that Syracuse is ready to compete for top-tier talent on a national level.