Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams is gaining attention as a potential contender for the Heisman Trophy ahead of his second collegiate season. Last season, Williams made an impact with notable performances against Wisconsin and Georgia but did not sustain the same level of play throughout the rest of the year.
Despite this, expectations remain high for Williams. Comparisons are being drawn between him and former Alabama standout DeVonta Smith, who claimed the Heisman Trophy in 2020. Smith was the first wide receiver to earn the award since Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Charles Woodson in 1997.
Joel Klatt of FOX Sports discussed Williams’ chances on “The Joel Klatt Show” broadcasted Aug. 26. “Hey, remember Ryan Williams, the unbelievable true freshman wide receiver at Alabama?” Klatt said. “He’s plus +4000, 40-1. Whenever you see a wide receiver that has the hype of previous seasons and everyone knows he’s a top-end player in the entire sport (even as young as he was). He was just so good last year. We saw him early against Wisconsin and I was impressed with him then. We saw him and what he was able to do against Georgia. This guy is a game changer on the outside.”
Klatt continued: “As they go to Ty Simpson at quarterback, even if Ty Simpson is having a big year, in large part guess why? It’ll be because of No. 2, Ryan Williams. So at +4000, 40-1, I really like that. He started out with a bang last year and I think that consistency will only show up more. And Ryan Grubb (the offensive coordinator) is back attached with Kalen DeBoer. Last year they didn’t have Grubb. If you go back to when DeBoer is most successful throughout his career, it’s because Ryan Grubb and him have been equals together in terms of the offense (…) Developing the offense. Developing the wide receivers. Remember the Washington receivers a couple of years ago? Well, what if those names end up being Ryan Williams this year? +4000. It’s a heck of a bet. Year two in college. He’s gonna be faster and stronger. He’s gonna be more fully developed and he’s gonna have a new quarterback. So if he’s going off, I think Alabama is a good bet and I think Ryan Williams is a good bet.”
Alabama opens its 2025 football season against Florida State this Saturday at 3:30 p.m., airing on ABC.
