WACO, Texas – Baylor basketball’s future roster gained a significant boost on Thursday as head coach Scott Drew secured a commitment from Elijah Williams, a four-star forward in the 2026 recruiting class. The 6-foot-6 prospect from San Antonio chose the Bears over multiple Power Five programs, including Arizona, Missouri and Oregon.
Williams is ranked as the No. 36 overall prospect in the 2026 class by 247Sports, and he holds the distinction of being the No. 4 recruit in the state of Texas. His commitment marks another key recruiting victory for Drew and his staff, who have consistently landed top-tier talent in recent years.
“Elijah is a versatile wing with tremendous upside,” said Greg Glenn, national recruiting analyst for 247Sports.
“He has the length and athleticism to defend multiple positions, and his offensive game continues to develop. Baylor is getting someone who could grow into an impact player in the Big 12.”
The San Antonio native becomes the first commit in Baylor’s 2026 class, though the Bears remain active with several other highly-rated prospects. Williams took an unofficial visit to Baylor’s campus last month and reportedly connected well with the coaching staff and current players.
“Coach Drew has built something special here, and I want to be part of it, Williams said in a statement. The way they develop players and compete for championships is exactly what I was looking for.”
Baylor’s recent success on the court – including the 2021 national championship – has elevated the program’s recruiting profile. The Bears have signed at least one top-40 recruit in each of the last four cycles.
Williams plays for Brennan High School in San Antonio, where he averaged 18.7 points and 7.3 rebounds as a sophomore last season. His combination of size, shooting touch and defensive versatility makes him an ideal fit for Baylor’s positionless system.
With Williams now in the fold, Baylor’s coaching staff will turn its attention to building around their first 2026 commit. The Bears are considered strong contenders for several other highly-ranked prospects, including five-star guard Jason Jefferson from Dallas.
The early signing period for the 2026 class begins in November 2025. Baylor fans will get their first extended look at Williams when he plays in Baylor’s annual summer showcase event next June.
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