Beyond the Villa

Taylor Williams is no stranger to the spotlight. Millions of viewers were introduced to the Oklahoma native on the 2025 season of “Love Island,” where he quickly became a fan favorite, leaving the villa just before the season finale. But while it may have introduced him to the world, “Love Island” is only a portion of Williams’ story. Behind the glitz and glam of reality TV is a man who grew up in Oklahoma; developed a love for rodeo on his grandfather’s ranch; and now juggles life as a veterinary student, competitive rodeo rider and international model. His journey is anything but typical—it’s a story that reflects the resilience and ambition of someone proud to call Oklahoma home.

Sooner State Roots

Born in Tulsa, Williams lived there for five years before moving to Owasso and eventually Oklahoma City. He grew up as the middle child of three brothers, all of whom shared a love for sports. “We played everything, basketball, baseball, football,” he says. “It was always competitive in our house.”

But for Williams, nothing compared to riding. “I was probably riding horses before I could walk,” he says. His father had been a bull rider before hanging up his spurs to raise a family, and his grandfather’s ranch remained Williams’ second home. “Every summer, I’d stay with my grandparents and ride horses all day. Growing up around animals inspired me to become a vet,” he explains.

When his family moved to Oklahoma City, Williams spent six years without horses—which was far too long. Today, his family owns 13 horses, four of them personally belonging to Williams. Riding isn’t just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle that connects him to his roots, even as life takes him to places far beyond Oklahoma.

The Modeling Break That Changed Everything

After graduating from Edmond Santa Fe High School, Williams attended Oklahoma State University, majoring in animal science on a pre-vet track. But after completing his undergraduate degree, he decided to take a year off before applying to veterinary school—a decision that would lead to one of the most unexpected opportunities in his career.

"When Louis Vuitton contacted me, it was a no-brainer." –Taylor Williams

During that gap year, Williams’ modeling career took off, but not in the traditional sense. He wasn’t signed to an agency, didn’t have professional headshots and never even considered modeling. “My mom always encouraged me to model, but I wanted to ride horses and play basketball. It never crossed my mind,” he says.

That changed when Pharrell Williams, creative director for Louis Vuitton menswear, began scouting authentic cowboys for the brand’s Fall/Winter 2024 runway show in Paris. A talent agency working with Pharrell discovered Taylor through Instagram. “They had been following my social media for months,” Williams recalls, scouting him for the upcoming show.  

A call from the Louis Vuitton team, a trip to Paris and a debut on one of the biggest fashion stages in the world was a whirlwind for the Oklahoma native. After his runway appearance, Williams was hand-selected for an editorial shoot for Wonderland Magazine, a fully dedicated Louis Vuitton story.

“It was so exciting; that was my first time modeling … I had no experience,” Williams says. “When Louis Vuitton contacted me, it was a no-brainer.”

Since then, Williams has worked with brands like John B. Stetson Company, Schaefer Outfitters, Wrangler and Levi’s, when he starred in the  Fort Worth rodeo campaign for the brand. Despite his success, Williams remains unsigned to an agency and plans to continue modeling as opportunities arise.  

Cowboy Takes ‘Love Island’

While modeling sparked a new passion, Williams still had dreams of becoming a veterinarian. He returned to OSU for his first year of vet school when another unexpected opportunity came knocking: the USA version of “Love Island.”

“I applied during my first year of vet school,” he says. “When I got the call, I thought, ‘Why not?’ It was a chance to meet someone in a cool place.”

Williams brought his Oklahoma charm and values to Fiji where filming took place this past summer. “Everyone always says people from Oklahoma are so nice,” he says. “I wasn’t gonna change who I am just because I’m on TV.”

That authenticity resonated with fans and contestants alike. While the show introduced him to a national audience, Williams views it as just one chapter in his story. Since filming wrapped, he’s stayed close with many of his fellow Islanders, even bringing some of them to Oklahoma to experience his world firsthand. Several Islanders plan to visit the state and watch him compete in upcoming rodeo events, a true glimpse into the life that makes him who he is.

“Eventually, I want my own land for horses and [to] have my own ranch.” –Taylor Williams

Representing Oklahoma is something Williams takes pride in, whether on reality TV  or walking the runway in Paris Fashion Week. But he’s quick to laugh about the misconceptions people have about his home state. “People think we’re all riding in wagons with tumbleweeds crossing the road,” he jokes. “Even in Paris, they were in awe that I was a real cowboy. On ‘Love Island,’ everyone kept asking if I actually rode horses every day.”

The Oklahoma Cowboy Legacy

Beyond modeling and TV, Williams remains deeply involved in rodeo life. He’s a member of the Oklahoma Cowboys, a nonprofit organization founded in 2022 that celebrates Black cowboy culture and community. Riding in grand entries while holding the organization’s flag, Williams has been a part of the organization since day one.

His specialty in the rodeo world is the Pony Express, a four-man relay and one of the biggest events in Oklahoma’s Black rodeos. “It’s huge here,” he says. Rodeo season runs from February through October, and even during competition, Williams is always prioritizing his studies as he enters his final year at OSU. “I’m always studying,” he says. “On the plane, in the car, even on Quizlet while waiting to ride. Any downtime I have, I’m studying.”

Beyond the Villa

After returning from New York for a “Love Island” reunion, Williams is back to his routine: vet school, rodeos and modeling gigs. Looking ahead, he plans to graduate, open his own clinic and ensure the rodeo tradition continues for future generations.

He also hopes Clarke, his girlfriend he met on “Love Island,” will join him in Oklahoma one day. “I want to stay near the city, Tulsa or OKC, close enough to travel to the country and ride,” he says. “Eventually, I want my own land for horses and have my own ranch.”

Williams’ advice for young Oklahomans with big dreams is clear: “Use social media,” he says. “It’s how you gain exposure. Make connections everywhere you can. Even if you’re in a rural part of Oklahoma, you can create content anywhere.” He even encourages those from rural Oklahoma to dream big: “Go downtown for city views, or find a field for sunset photos … use your resources everywhere you can.” As someone from Oklahoma with big dreams, he knows no limits and urges younger generations to do the same.

From Oklahoma ranches to Paris runways and reality TV screens, Taylor Williams is proving that where you come from doesn’t limit where you can go. And while “Love Island” gave him a platform, his heart and his boots will always be firmly planted in Oklahoma soil.