- NCAA. Deion Sanders refuses to answer a question about Travis Hunter: I'm treating you like a pro scout
- NCAA. Alabama freshman sensation Ryan Williams sends bold message in breakout performance
Ryan Williams isn't your average college freshman wide receiver-and not just because of his stats. At 17 years old, Williams is making headlines for his impressive plays, and perhaps even more so for the fact that he's already left high school football behind. While most teenagers his age are navigating their senior year, Williams is already making his mark in the SEC.
This past Saturday, Williams played a critical role in Alabama's thrilling 41-34 victory over No. 2 ranked Georgia in Tuscaloosa, putting up numbers that most seasoned players would dream of. But for Williams, it was just another day to prove why he's destined for greatness, despite being a full year ahead of his academic timeline.
Born in 2007, Williams should still be a high school senior at Saraland High School, Alabama. However, after three standout seasons at Saraland-including a heartbreaking 31-28 state championship loss to Clay-Chalkville-Williams made the decision to reclassify, jumping from the 2025 class to 2024 and enrolling at the University of Alabama early. This decision has paid off, not just for Williams, but for Alabama as a whole.
Last weekend, Williams showcased his explosive talent with six catches, 177 receiving yards, and a game-changing touchdown. His highlight moment came in the final minutes, with Alabama needing a big play. Williams snagged a deep from quarterback Jaden Milroe, spun past defenders, and sprinted 75 yards to the endzone, delivering Alabama's winning lead in spectacular fashion. His swift moves and relentless energy had the crowd roaring, while two Georgia defenders collided trying to stop him.
Williams was a household name in Alabama
But before taking on the college stage, Williams already had a legendary high school career. As a sophomore, he was crowned Alabama's Mr. Football-the first underclassman to receive the honor-thanks to a season with 1,641 receiving yards, 24 receiving touchdowns, 700 rushing yards, and 15 rushing touchdowns. His junior year wasn't far behind, as he added another 1,324 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns to his resume.
Fast forward to this season, and Williams is off to an electric start for the Crimson Tide. Through four games, he's already amassed 462 receiving yards and five touchdowns, including an unforgettable college debut against Western Kentucky, where he put up 139 yards on just two catches.
Despite being young for the collegiate spotlight, Williams has already proven he can compete at the highest level. His rapid rise is rewriting expectations and showing that the choice to move forward early may be exactly what Alabama needed.