This Alabama WR is training to be next Heisman Trophy winner

He accomplished a lot in his high school career — including twice named “Mr. Football” in the state of Alabama — but now he enters his second season at the University of Alabama.

Ryan Williams took college football by storm at 17 in 2024, totaling 48 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. He recorded 100-plus yard receiving efforts versus South Florida and Georgia, but there are areas for him to improve in. The 6-foot, 175-pounder has worked on expanding his routes and adding more muscle to his frame. He earned Freshman All-SEC, Freshman All-American, and first-team All-SEC honors, but more awaits the Mobile native.

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Williams, who will have a different quarterback passing him the ball this fall, has often been compared to a former Crimson Tide star. His size draws comparison to DeVonta Smith, a 2020 Heisman Trophy winner and 2024 Super Bowl Champion. Smith, a Louisiana native, holds every school career receiving record in Tide history. The two-time College Football Playoff National Champion (2017, 2020) trains with Yo Murphy, a wide receiver specialist in Tampa, Fla.

Some feel Williams can be the next Alabama receiver to win the Heisman. The superstar, nicknamed “Hollywood,” is with Murphy as well this offseason. Murphy posted a photo on Instagram of Williams and Smith training together. This is a good sign for the Tide in the fall.