Ryan Williams’ performance as a 17-year-old freshman at Alabama was nothing short of impressive, amassing 865 yards and eight touchdowns. Yet, despite these standout stats, Alabama’s football season left much to be desired. A disappointing year under coach Kalen DeBoer saw the team fall short of playoff contention and suffer an upset in their bowl game against a Michigan squad that wasn’t exactly a powerhouse.
Williams’ individual contributions—48 catches, 865 yards, and eight touchdowns—beg the question of why he wasn’t featured more prominently in Alabama’s game plan. The star wideout only surpassed five receptions in two of Alabama’s games and was severely underutilized in the tail end of the season, being limited to three or fewer receptions in the last five games. For a young, ambitious receiver like Williams, such marginalization can be a dealbreaker, leading to his decision to transfer to Ohio State for the 2025 season.
Now, pairing up with fellow standout Jeremiah Smith, Ryan Williams is poised to land in the perfect environment to hone his craft. Ohio State’s receiver room, under the expert guidance of coach Brian Hartline, has become a launchpad for NFL-caliber talent. Since joining the Buckeyes in 2017, Hartline has carved out a reputation for sculpting star receivers. Just look at his recent track record: Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison have all passed through his tutelage before making their mark in the NFL.
With this move, Williams is stepping into a storied lineage of wide receiving excellence. The opportunity to learn alongside Jeremiah Smith, who is being touted as a generational talent with over 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024 even with limited targets, sets the stage for an exciting rivalry and partnership. Williams’ transfer could very well be his ticket to unlocking his full potential, and under Hartline’s mentorship, he has a chance to prepare comprehensively for his NFL future.
The Buckeyes’ program is not just about statistics; it’s a breeding ground for turning raw potential into professional greatness. Given the patterns of success Brian Hartline has established, Williams and Smith might just be the next incredible duo that Ohio State sends to the Sunday spotlight.
