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Ryan Williams Reveals Conversation With Jeremiah Smith During College Football 26 Cover Shoot

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 4:10 PM ET

Alabama's Ryan Williams and Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith were two true freshmen playmakers who stole the show last season.

Both wide receivers appeared on the Freshman All-American teams and Smith broke out in a big way thanks to the Buckeyes winning a national championship.

With the pending July 10 release of EA Sports College Football 26, Smith and Williams are expected to be a significant part of the game's marketing, given their status as premier players from two of college football's biggest programs.

Williams, while being interviewed by On3's Andy Staples, revealed the topics of conversation shared with Smith during the game's cover shoot.

"Whenever we were in Pasadena, of course, we talked about last season and him winning a national championship. I was super happy for him," Williams said.

Smith finished the 2024 season with 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also ran for one touchdown and rushed for 47 yards. In addition to being the Rose Bowl MVP, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound receiver was Big Ten Receiver and Freshman of the Year as well as a first-team All-American.

"But you know, we both agreed that although last year was super fun, super great and we both had good freshman seasons," Williams continued. "We left a lot on the table. Just with that experience from last season, we're still super excited for what's to come this season."

Williams ended last year with 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. He also added 48 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.

Expectations for both Ohio State and Alabama are high, as it should be for two of the biggest schools in the country. In ESPN's latest way-too-early rankings, the Buckeyes are Crimson are listed at No. 5 and No. 9, respectively.

Both programs have yet to name a starter at quarterback after each school lost last season's starter to the NFL draft.

Alabama and Ohio State both begin next season on Aug. 30, with the Buckeyes hosting the Texas Longhorns and the Crimson Tide traveling to Tallahassee to play the Florida State Seminoles.

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

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