Alabama WR Ryan Williams Among 10 Early Candidates for Heisman Trophy

The expectation around Alabama sophomore wide receiver Ryan Williams is sky-high for the 2025 college football season, with Williams being named in ESPN's Top 10 Early Candidates for the Heisman Trophy.

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ESPN senior writer Chris Low is incredibly high on Williams, stating he has "tremendous big-play ability."

"As a 17-year-old true freshman, Williams was one of the most electric playmakers in the country the first part of last season. He had five touchdown catches in his first four games, including the game winner against Georgia, and finished the season with 10 touchdowns (eight receiving, two rushing). Williams has tremendous big-play ability. He averaged 18 yards per catch and is as dangerous catching the deep ball as he is at making things happen after the catch."

Williams started the 2024 campaign hot, catching 19 passes for 544 yards and six touchdowns through his first five games. His 18 yards per catch was good for fifth in the SEC, and he was the Tide's leading receiver in yards and touchdowns.

During what should have been his senior year of high school, Williams was named Freshman All-American by the FWAA and was a Second-Team All-American by the AFCA.

Williams returns for his second year with the Crimson Tide while Alabama added plenty of talent around him in the receiving room, taking defensive attention away from the phenom. Germie Bernard is back for his second season at Alabama, and Isaiah Horton joined the Crimson Tide after posting 616 receiving yards at Miami.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.