Recruit to See What Arkansas Football is All About

Highly recruited sophomore receiver Madden Williams will be attending the University of Arkansas game against Texas A&M. Williams was convinced by his stepfather and a teammate to consider Arkansas due to the school's culture and opportunities for success.

University of Arkansas has secured a commitment from highly recruited sophomore receiver Madden Williams for the 2026 season. Williams, along with his stepfather Nate Rozzelle and teammate Tay Lockett, were instrumental in convincing him to choose Arkansas. They highlighted the strong culture and legacy-building opportunities at the university, as well as the chance to compete against top teams in the SEC and receive high-level coaching that would prepare him for the NFL.

Williams, who stands at 6-2 and weighs 180 pounds, has received scholarship offers from prestigious schools such as Georgia, Texas, Oregon, Notre Dame, Stanford, Washington, Maryland, and Michigan State. However, the connection he felt with Arkansas, particularly with receivers coach Kenny Guiton, Fayetteville being a great college town, and the state's love for the Razorbacks, stood out to him.

The trip to Arlington, Texas, to watch the Hogs' game against Texas A&M was a turning point for Williams. He and his family reviewed the opportunity and decided that Arkansas was a school worth considering. Williams expressed excitement about experiencing a live game, witnessing the coaching in action, and immersing himself in the atmosphere of Arkansas football.

In his current season, Williams has already recorded 25 receptions for 272 yards and 2 touchdowns in just five games. National recruiting analyst Tom Lemming has identified him as a 4-star prospect, but believes he has the potential to reach 5-star status before graduating high school. Lemming attributes this to Williams' impressive size, speed, and performance at one of the top-five high school programs in the country.

Williams and Lockett have developed a special bond over the past two years, which has further solidified his interest in Arkansas. If the trip to Arlington goes well, Williams expressed a high possibility of visiting the campus in Fayetteville.

The influence of Lockett and Rozzelle, combined with Williams' parents' admiration for the late coach and broadcaster John Madden, has played a significant role in shaping his perception of Arkansas football. Williams' father, Myron Williams, acknowledges that Arkansas was not initially on his son's radar, but the persuasive efforts of Lockett and Rozzelle have sparked his interest.

Myron believes that Arkansas is a program on the rise, and discussions with Lockett and Rozzelle have reinforced this belief. He sees Arkansas as a team that is actively seeking talented individuals who can help elevate the program to new heights. Myron emphasizes the importance of creating a legacy at Arkansas rather than simply joining one of the more established SEC powerhouses like Alabama or Georgia.

Coming from California, the Williams family had limited knowledge of Arkansas and its football program. However, Lockett and Rozzelle convinced them that a firsthand experience would change their perspective. This trip to Arlington is the first step in allowing Madden to truly understand what Arkansas football is all about.

For more information, contact Richard Davenport at [email protected].