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Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams has been selected as one of the featured athletes on the cover of the highly anticipated EA Sports College Football 26.
Sharing the spotlight with Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith, Williams' inclusion represents not only a personal milestone but also a broader recognition of the impact the incoming class of college athletes is expected to make.
"It's super exciting," Williams told Sports Illustrated. "I had the opportunity to be around family whenever I got the call. Just being able to be around family, that added to the excitement because it's a dream come true. It's a one-of-one feeling, you can't compare it to anything."
Both Williams and Smith are elite prospects from the class of 2024 and formed a close friendship during their high school playing days. That bond adds a personal dimension to their shared cover appearance. "That was also super exciting because being able to finish up my season and watch the rest of [Smith's] season... I didn't feel like there was another guy that deserved it like he did.
"We talked about it whenever we both found out the news and just being able to [have] that experience and be out in Cali [for the photo shoot] was super fun," Williams said.
Balancing stardom with studies
Williams made a strong impression during his freshman campaign, recording 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. One of his most memorable performances came against Georgia, where he caught six es for 177 yards, including a game-breaking 75-yard touchdown reception.
While his accomplishments on the field are notable, Williams is equally driven in the classroom. "In everything you do, whenever you're trying to find the difference between good and great, you have to find some type of balance," he said.
"I feel like I've done a lot better job since I've been here [for a while] now after going through my freshman year of being able to find that balance of the NIL stuff and focus on school. Dean's list is always good, but academics means a lot to me... it's what I grew up on.
"I'm trying to be on the President's list and being able to focus on that while also still being the best football player I can be. So I've been trying to find that balance because there's only so many hours in a day, so that's the biggest thing I've learned."
Looking ahead to the new season, Williams aims to round out his game by becoming a more physical presence. "I'm a big believer in an audience of one-my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," he said. "I'm relying on my faith going into the season.
"I want to be super physical going into the season. That's not what you expect when you see me because I think I'm super fast, super quick. So I'm trying to add more physical intangibles in the blocking game or just being physical with defenders."
EA Sports College Football 26 is set for release on July 10, 2025. Williams and Smith will appear on the standard edition cover, while the deluxe version will feature an ensemble of additional college stars, coaches, and legends.
The game's return is expected to reignite fan enthusiasm, and Williams' rising profile is a perfect reflection of the next generation of college football talent.