Is Ryan Williams as Good as Jeremiah Smith?

As for Williams, he didn’t have the same opportunity since Alabama missed out on the playoffs. So, by the time Smith was dazzling the nation on television, Williams’ season was over. But if you look at the overall picture, is Williams as talented as Smith?

The answer is no, but that is far from a knock on Williams, since Smith is a generational talent. At 6-foot-3 and 215-pounds, Smith possesses a unique combination of speed, athleticism, size and technique that puts him in a different category.

Williams, 6-foot-0 and 175-pounds, is a very talented receiver who more than proved that during the 2024 season. However, there was a regression during the second half. After totaling 31 receptions for 649 yards and six touchdowns during the first seven games, he had 17 receptions for 216 yards and two touchdowns during the final six games. While this is something that needs to improve, the Alabama offensive coaching staff should be criticized for not finding more ways to get the ball into his hands. 

During the 2025 season, both wide receivers will be working with new quarterbacks, which immediately adds a level of uncertainty to their future production. It is unlikely that either will have a drastic reduction, but there may be some growing pains while the new wide receiver/quarterback duos gain some comfort and familiarity against opposing defenses.

Both Smith and Williams are very impressive wide receivers who have an extremely bright future ahead of them in college and then in the NFL. However, Smith is the one who has the skillset to become elite.