On3’s No.1 2026 CB Duvay Williams Says Four Schools Are Catching His Eye Early in Process
Duvay Williams had always known he had something special. The 6’2″, 190-pound cornerback from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, had dominated his freshman year with the kind of talent that quickly garnered the attention of scouts, coaches, and recruiting analysts alike. By the time he was halfway through his sophomore season, On3 had already ranked him as the No. 1 cornerback for the 2026 class. But Duvay wasn’t rushing. He wasn’t in a hurry to make any decisions. Instead, he was focused on his game, his growth, and the journey ahead.
“I’m still young, and there’s a lot I need to work on,” Duvay said one afternoon after practice. His voice was calm but filled with determination. “But I’m definitely keeping an eye on some schools that have been reaching out. It’s still early, but I’m learning about what these programs offer.”
The four schools that had been consistently standing out to him were LSU, Alabama, Ohio State, and USC. Each of these powerhouse programs had been in touch, and the conversations were always intriguing.
LSU felt like a natural fit. Being from Baton Rouge, Duvay had grown up watching the Tigers and admired the legacy of defensive backs like Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu. The familiarity of playing in his home state, with the added benefit of staying close to his family, made it an appealing option. “I love the culture there,” Duvay said with a grin. “It’s a family atmosphere. I’d feel right at home.”
Alabama, with its track record of producing top-tier defensive talent, had captured Duvay’s attention as well. He had visited Tuscaloosa last summer and had been blown away by the history, the facilities, and the competitive edge the team possessed. “Bama is always competing for championships, and they develop players like crazy. It’s hard not to pay attention to that,” he admitted.
Ohio State had emerged as a contender due to its reputation for producing NFL-ready cornerbacks. The Buckeyes had been in contact with Duvay early on, emphasizing their commitment to player development and their competitive nature in the Big Ten. “Ohio State is serious about football, and they’ve got a legacy of sending guys to the league,” Duvay explained. “That kind of program is hard to ignore.”
Finally, there was USC, where Duvay had never been, but had always admired the style of play. The Trojans were known for their fast-paced offense and aggressive defense. They’d recently been in touch, offering him a chance to play in one of the most prestigious programs on the West Coast. “USC is different,” Duvay said thoughtfully. “It’s like a whole new world over there, and I’m excited to learn more about what they have to offer.”
For now, Duvay was focused on his high school season. He knew that each game was an opportunity to refine his skills—his speed, his footwork, his instincts—and showcase why he was the top cornerback in the class. As his recruitment process began to take shape, Duvay remained level-headed, knowing he had a lot of time before making any decisions.
“I’m just going to keep grinding, taking it one day at a time,” he said with a focused gaze. “The right school will come. I just want to find the place where I can grow as a player and a person.”
As the recruiting process unfolded, one thing was certain: wherever Duvay Williams decided to go, he would bring his game-changing ability, his relentless work ethic, and his ambition to be the best. The next chapter of his journey h
ad only just begun.