NCAA

How old is Ryan Williams? Explaining the Alabama teen’s college football eligiblity at age 17

Alabama star freshman Ryan Williams should still be in high school. As the youngest player in college football this season, the rest of the kids his age would be playing football on Friday nights at high schools all around the nation. 

But instead of playing in front of a few hundred local fans at his high school, Williams is balling in front of over 100,000 raucous college football fanatics at Bryant-Denny Stadium. 

There have been very few footballers that have the talent of Williams — and there’s a reason why he is suiting up for one of the biggest collegiate programs in the country instead of playing high school ball. 

Williams has been outstanding to start his NCAA career. The true freshman for the Crimson Tide is helping pave the way for Kalen DeBoer’s offense, emerging as one of the favorite targets for QB Jalen Milroe. 

MORE: College football rankings from 1 to 134 for Week 7

But how old is Williams? Here’s what to know about the Alabama freshman wide receiver. 

How old is Ryan Williams?

Williams is 17 years old. He is the youngest FBS player in college football this season, taking part in his first season with the Crimson Tide as a true freshman. 

He won’t turn 18 years old until after the 2024 NCAA football season. 

Ryan Williams birthday

Williams was born on Feb. 9, 2007. 

It makes him one of the only 2007-born players currently playing college football. 

How is Ryan Williams in college at 17?

Williams was a five-star prospect coming out of high school in Alabama. He was originally ranked as one the highest recruits in the 2025 class, however, he reclassified to the 2024 class in December 2023 so he could enroll at Alabama for this season. 

Ryan Williams high school

Williams attended Saraland High School in his home state of Alabama. Originally from Mobile, Williams played for three years for the Spartans. 

As a sophomore in 2022, he had 88 receptions for 1,641 yards with 24 touchdowns. He followed that up by posting 72 receptions for 1,324 yards with 19 touchdowns as a junior in 2023. Both seasons, he was named the Alabama Gatorade Football Player of the Year and the Alabama Mr. Football 

Ryan Williams stats 2024

Williams is off to a sensational start to his collegiate career. As a freshman, he already ranks first on the team in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns through five games. His six receiving scores are tied for fifth in the nation and his 544 receiving yards rank 12th. 

Here is a look at his full stats for 2024. 

Games Receptions Receiving Yards Avg TDs
5 19 544 28.6 6
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