Ryan Williams Makes Surprising Admission About First Season at Alabama

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brendan Howe | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 6:25 PM ET

Ryan Williams introduced himself to the college football world last season. The Alabama Crimson Tide receiver earned freshman All-American honors from 247Sports, On3, and Pro Football Focus. Somehow, he's still not satisfied with what he was able to accomplish.

Williams spoke to On3's Andy Staples last week about his experience at the cover photo shoot for EA College Football 26. He appears on that video game's front alongside Ohio State Buckeyes star Jeremiah Smith, who also entered the limelight as a true freshman.

"Whenever we were in Pasadena, of course, we talked about last season and him winning a national championship," Williams said. "I was super happy for him. But we both agreed that, although last year was super fun, super great and we both had very good freshmen seasons, we left a lot on the table. And we both agreed on that.

"Just with that experience from last season, we're super excited (about) what's to come this season."

Williams, a first-team All-SEC honoree, paced Kalen DeBoer's Crimson Tide with 865 receiving yards and eight touchdown grabs. Only Germie Bernard had more catches (50) than Williams (48). That pair will catch passes from either Ty Simpson, Keelon Russell, or Austin Mack this upcoming season.

To surpass DeVonta Smith and become the greatest all-time statistical pass-catcher at Alabama, Williams will need to average 94 receptions, over 1,550 receiving yards, and north of 19 touchdowns over the next two go-rounds. That's also assuming that Williams will declare for the NFL Draft after his junior campaign.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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