Let the hype train begin for SMU offensive tackle PJ Williams, who CBS Sports projected to land in the 1st Round of the 2027 NFL Draft. Josh Edwards has Williams landing at No. 22 to the Denver Broncos.
After transferring from Texas A&M following the 2022 season, Williams has gone on to play in 38 games with 27 starts, mostly coming at right tackle the past two seasons. The 6-5, 319-pounder from Dickinson, Texas enters 2026 as one of the top offensive linemen in America.
SMU strength and conditioning coach Shawn Griswold raved about Williams in an interview with On The Pony Express. Williams can play left or right tackle, but has been a mainstay on the right side.
“PJ Williams, I don’t know what his draft stock’s gonna be but man, they’re getting a long freak,” Griswold said. “He runs like a really athletic 265-pound tight end and he’s 319. It’s weird. I’m coaching sometimes and I need to coach, but I’m just watching, this makes no sense. You watch that kid on a 3-cone and it’s weird because it’s effortless and he’s just so gifted.”
This year, Williams is playing more of a leadership role for Garin Justice’s offensive line room. He’s one of three returning starters from the 2025 unit along with some other veterans, but he’s helping his teammates.
“Be all about the team,” Williams said. “Got to stay focused and be about the team. Mostly my head is on coaching the new guys. So, new guys just coming in, getting them prepared. So, that’s my biggest focus. Just staying consistent, being me, keeping my head on a straight path and coaching the new guys. So, that’s how I do it. That’s just who I am, to be honest. I feel like I’m all about the team kind of guy.”
Williams was a Second Team All-ACC pick after his 2025 season, which came after an All-ACC Third Team pick in 2024. Coming out of high school, he was an Under Armour All-American, ranking as a Top 100 prospect and Top 10 offensive tackle.