In a major update from Tuscaloosa, Ryan Williams continues to rack up accolades following an outstanding freshman season with Alabama football. On Tuesday, the Football Writers Association of America named Williams a freshman All-American for the 2024 campaign.
The highly-touted wide receiver, a five-star prospect out of Saraland, wasted no time making his impact. After joining the Crimson Tide, Williams quickly earned a starting role at wide receiver and contributed significantly as a punt returner this season.
Notably, Williams was one of three wide receivers on the prestigious freshman All-America team, alongside Clemson’s Bryant Wesco Jr. and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Williams. He was also a finalist for offensive freshman player of the year, competing against South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers and Baylor running back Bryson Washington.
The 6-foot, 175-pound Williams was a standout for Alabama in 2024, leading the team with 865 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns, while also finishing second in catches with 48.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer had nothing but praise for his freshman star, stating earlier this season, “Ryan’s a first-class guy all the way, through and through. I love coaching him. He brings a great work ethic, smile, all the things you want each and every day in practice.”
In addition to the freshman All-American honor, Williams also earned second-team All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association. His impressive play was further recognized with first-team All-SEC and all-freshman team selections by the conference’s coaches, as well as a second-team All-SEC nod from the Associated Press.
Williams’ remarkable debut season continues to position him as one of the standout young stars in college football.
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Former Alabama receiver transfers to Arizona State
Jaren Hamilton is headed west for his next football journey.
The former Alabama wide receiver confirmed to On3 that he will be transferring to Arizona State. Hamilton, a four-star recruit from the 2023 class according to the 247Sports Composite, spent two seasons with the Crimson Tide. He was ranked as the No. 35 receiver in the nation in that class and hails from Gainesville, Florida.
During the 2024 season, Hamilton appeared in four games: against Western Kentucky, Wisconsin, Mercer, and in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan. Across those games, he logged 17 special teams snaps and 30 snaps on offense, with 23 of those coming against Mercer, per Pro Football Focus. Although he did not record any catches, Hamilton did contribute with one tackle.
Hamilton is part of a wave of receivers who entered the transfer portal in December and January. Among those joining him were Caleb Odom, Kendrick Law, Kobe Prentice, Emmanuel Henderson, and Amari Jefferson. Of this group, Prentice was the most productive, tallying 11 receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown.
Meanwhile, Alabama has been active in bolstering its receiver corps, adding Isaiah Horton from Miami and returning key players such as Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams for 2025. Other young talents like Cole Adams, Rico Scott, and Jaylen Mbakwe (who recently switched from cornerback to receiver) are also in the mix.
As the winter window for players to enter the transfer portal has now closed, those in the portal can still finalize their decisions on where to continue their careers.
