In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball community, Elijah Williams, the nation’s top-ranked small forward in the class of 2026, has committed to Indiana University (IU). This decision comes as a surprise to many, given that IU was not previously listed among the schools he was most frequently in contact with.
Williams, a 6-foot-6 standout from TMI Episcopal in San Antonio, Texas, is the son of former NBA Coach of the Year Monty Williams. Monty, known for his coaching stints with teams like the Phoenix Suns and Detroit Pistons, currently serves as the head coach at TMI Episcopal, where he has been coaching Elijah.
Prior to his commitment to IU, Elijah was reportedly hearing most frequently from seven schools: Arkansas, Alabama, Baylor, Texas, Kansas, Notre Dame, and Arizona. citeturn0search4 Notably, Indiana was not among these programs, making his commitment to the Hoosiers unexpected.
Williams has been recognized for his impressive performances, including standout showings at the USA Basketball U17 Training Camp. Analysts have praised his size, shooting ability, and court vision, noting his potential to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.
Indiana’s recruitment of Williams reflects the program’s commitment to securing top-tier talent. While IU had shown interest in other 2026 prospects, such as Tyran Stokes, TJ Crumble, Jonathan Sanderson, and Jayden Johnson, Williams’ decision to join the Hoosiers adds a significant boost to their future roster.
Williams’ commitment is expected to elevate Indiana’s standing in national recruiting rankings and demonstrates the program’s ability to attract elite talent despite not being initially listed among the frontrunners. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how Williams’ addition influences the Hoosiers’ performance in the coming seasons.
