TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — After making the most pivotal catch of his young college career, Ryan Williams had just one thought: “I can’t get tackled.”
His 75-yard touchdown reception, featuring a dazzling spin move, helped No. 4 Alabama secure a thrilling 41-34 victory over No. 2 Georgia at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Williams, a dynamic freshman receiver, joked that the spin felt “in slow motion” during the game, but admitted it looked faster on the video replay. “I just had to do my part to help us finish that game. We’d come too far; somebody had to make a play,” he said.
Despite leading 28-0, Alabama found itself trailing 34-33 with just over two minutes remaining after a Georgia comeback. But Williams and quarterback Jalen Milroe quickly responded. On first down, Milroe connected with Williams on a perfectly placed pass, allowing him to spin past Georgia's Julian Humphrey and race down the right sideline.
“When I first saw him, he was this skinny kid,” said Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. “But on the practice field, he’s been doing things like that ever since. That’s just who he is.”
Through four games, Williams has caught five touchdowns and averages 28.9 yards per catch, including an impressive 54-yard bobbling catch against Georgia that set up a field goal. “He’s only going to get better,” Milroe said. “He’s always working, always trying to improve.”
The poise on the Alabama sideline, especially from coach Kalen DeBoer, was crucial during the final minutes, Campbell noted. “That’s the standard at Alabama, and it filters down to everyone.”
As the offense prepared for the crucial drive, Williams felt no need to signal to Milroe for the ball. “Nah, I ain’t got to be a mailbox. He knows what’s up,” he said, finishing with six catches for 177 yards and six receptions of 40 yards or more this season.
Their chemistry is evident. “He knows four plus two equals six,” Williams said, referring to their jersey numbers. “The ball’s just got to go in the air.”
At just 17 years old, Williams is already making a mark, especially considering he was born after Nick Saban took the helm at Alabama in 2007. His performance contributed to Alabama's dominance over Georgia, marking their ninth win in the last ten meetings.
As Georgia attempted to mount a last-minute comeback, they reached the Alabama 20-yard line. But on first down, quarterback Carson Beck’s pass was intercepted by fellow freshman Zabien Brown.
Interestingly, the night before, Williams and Brown were playing “EA Sports College Football,” where Brown had predicted he’d make a game-winning pick. “I was like, ‘Bro, you’re going to catch a pick?’ and he said, ‘Of course!’” Williams recalled, laughing. “Next thing you know, he made it happen. I was screaming—that’s how I lost my voice!”
Milroe chuckled when asked about the impact of two true freshmen in such a big game. “Recruiting,” he joked. “But really, those guys work hard. I see them putting in the effort after practice, constantly trying to improve. It’s vital for our team to keep growing.”
DeBoer praised Williams for his ability to create after the catch, noting his knack for making defenders miss. Milroe added, “What matters now is how we build on this. We’re seeing the results of our offseason work, the faith the coaches have in us, and the contributions from younger guys. We just need to keep climbing.”
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