In 2024, Alabama was led offensively by the likes of Jalen Milroe, Ryan Williams, and Germie Bernard along with several others. In 2025, Alabama will be without Milroe, but Williams and Bernard will be back. Both of them were integral pieces of the Crimson Tide’s passing attack during the 2024 season.
The duo combined for 98 receptions for 1,659 yards and 10 touchdowns. Outside of Bernard and Williams, Alabama’s receiving core combined to have 128 receptions for 1,414 yards and seven touchdowns. Clearly, Alabama was led by the two newcomers — Bernard and Williams at wide receiver last season. Which of the two will lead Alabama in receiving yards in 2025?
Early on in 2024, Williams was a one-man show for the Crimson Tide. He was the one pass catcher that Milroe locked in and relied on the most. The former five-star headlined the offense through the first half of the season. His production dropped off in the second half of the season as Bernard emerged as the top target for Milroe.
In 2025, I anticipate that Williams will be the receiving yards leader. The Alabama native got off to a hot start in 2024, and I expect him to do the same in 2025. However, this time, I think he will be more consistent in terms of his production over the course of the season. He finished just shy of 900 receiving yards last season. With Alabama likely turning to more of a pass-first offense in 2025, I would expect him to surpass 1,000 receiving yards. That seems reasonable for Williams to do as a true sophomore. His playmaking ability and route running will only continue to improve throughout his college career.
Williams will have to face double-teams next season, but he will be accustomed to it. Opponents starting double-teaming Williams towards the midway point of the 2024 season. I look for Williams to have an even more impressive sophomore campaign in Tuscaloosa for the Crimson Tide.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
