Alabama star Ryan Williams alongside fellow wide receiver phenom Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State will grace the cover of EA Sports College Football 26.
For Williams, it’s just the latest sign of his hard work paying off.
After a breakout freshman year, Williams isn’t easing up this offseason. In fact, he’s turning heads with who he’s working out with – and that’s none other than Philadelphia Eagles star and Crimson Tide legend DeVonta Smith.
Williams, who led Alabama in both receiving yards (865) and touchdown catches (4) in 2024, shared a glimpse of his offseason grind on Instagram.
The post featured him and fellow Alabama receiver Isaiah Horton training alongside Smith, who just capped off a Super Bowl-winning season with the Eagles and remains one of the most decorated players in Alabama history – including a Heisman Trophy win in 2020.
Needless to say, the revelation caused quite a buzz on social media…
“Why does this fire me up so much? Roll Tide!”
“Perfect person to learn from for him. Same type of player.”
“They have incredibly similar profiles and play styles, so this could be great.”
“Two of the best.”
“In a cave?”
“This is special family.”
Williams’ freshman numbers were impressive by any standard – 48 receptions for 865 yards and four touchdowns, plus two additional scores on the ground.
He played in all 13 games and quickly became a cornerstone of an Alabama offense that averaged 33.8 points and 410.2 yards per game, ranking 22nd and 42nd nationally, respectively.
Now heading into his sophomore season, expectations around Williams have skyrocketed.
ESPN recently named him to its “Way-Too-Early College Football All-America Team,” alongside Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith as a first-team wide receiver selection.
Training with DeVonta Smith – who knows exactly what it takes to succeed at Alabama and beyond – only intensifies the anticipation.
If the offseason grind is any indication, Ryan Williams may be ready to write his own chapter in Alabama’s storied receiver legacy.
What are your thoughts on Williams and Smith working out together? … Will this help lead to a big bounce-back year for Kalen DeBoer’s Crimson Tide???
