Williams Nwaneri, Missouri Tigers 5-star commit, named nation's No. 1 prospect

Lee's Summit North (Missouri) five-star defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri came it at No. 1 in the updated On3 rankings

It's been a great past few days for the Missouri Tigers.

After registering a 30-27 upset win over No. 15 Kansas State following an SEC-record 61-yard field goal, Eli Drinkwitz's program received good recruiting news.

Lee's Summit North (Missouri) five-star defensive lineman and Missouri pledge Williams Nwaneri was named the nation's No. 1 overall prospect by On3.

He remains the nation's No. 3 overall prospect, according to both 247Sports and Rivals. 

Here's what On3 had to say about Nwaneri, in part, as a prospect:

"The most physically-gifted defensive line prospect in the 2024 cycle. Has an elite frame, measuring in at over 6-foot-6, 260 pounds and an 11-inch hand. Has elite length, with arms that measure in at over 36 inches. Moves very well for his size. Backed that up with a very strong 1.72 second 10-yard split at the UC Report’s Kansas City camp prior to his senior season. Also shows fluidity with change of direction in the camp setting. Flashed some of his high-end potential as a sophomore, but took a step as a junior. Finished his junior campaign with 22 tackles for loss and 12 sacks while helping his team to the state title game." 

Multiple teams, including Oklahoma, continue to push for the elite defensive lineman, but so far he's appeared to remain locked in with the Tigers.

Nwaneri visited Missouri for the game against Middle Tennessee on September 9, and tweeted a celebration following last weekend's upset victory:

M I Z 😎

— ✞ Williams Nwaneri 🇳🇬 (@NwaneriWilliams) September 16, 2023

Realistically, Missouri fans are unlikely to breathe a sigh of relief until Nwaneri signs on the dotted line during December's early signing period.

Still, having the nation's top recruit verbally committed, and clearly engaged in the weekly goings on of the program, is a great place to be.

Junior season highlights