Alabama Turns Heads With Ryan Williams Announcement on Friday

Alabama Turns Heads With Ryan Williams Announcement on Friday originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

After missing the 12-team College Football Playoff in head coach Kalen DeBoer’s first season at the helm, the pressure in Tuscaloosa is higher than it’s been in quite some time for the Alabama Crimson Tide to live up to sky-high expectations.

Fortunately for Alabama, the talent is there on both sides of the ball—and on offense, all eyes are on sophomore wide receiver Ryan Williams, who continues to be one of the most prominent young names in college football.

Despite being just 17 years old for most of his freshman season, Williams put up impressive numbers: 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 18.0 yards per catch.

On Friday, just days after SEC Media Days in Atlanta, Alabama announced some exciting news: Williams has officially signed with Nike, becoming one of the brand’s premier college athletes. It’s a major signing for Nike, especially with Ohio State star wideout Jeremiah Smith representing rival brand Adidas.

“Hollywood is joining the Nike family,” Alabama posted on social media.

Nike echoed the hype, writing: “Officially official. Nike Football just went Hollywood.”

Hollywood is joining the Nike family. ✔️@Ryanwms1#RollTidepic.twitter.com/oWzQxBPTPk

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) July 18, 2025

Fans reacted to the news:

"Ryan Hollywood Willams he’s a stud," a fan said.

Someone else added, "Ryan gonna go wild this year."

Another person wrote, "Nothing bigger than the A!! Build your brand with @AlabamaFTBL."

"Overly Proud Of You Kid," one more fan commented.

Related: Michigan Commit Takes Jab at Ohio State After Jeremiah Smith's Comment

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.