Ryan Williams Changes Name to Ryan Coleman-Williams
In a significant development for college football, Ryan Williams has announced that he will change his name to Ryan Coleman-Williams for the upcoming 2026 season. This change, which incorporates his mother’s surname, Tiffany Coleman, reflects a personal decision as he prepares for a pivotal year with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Coleman-Williams will don jersey number 1, a notable shift from the number 2 he wore during his first two seasons at Alabama. The change comes after Alabama lost two top receivers from the previous season, creating an opportunity for Coleman-Williams to step into a prominent role.
During his time at Alabama, Coleman-Williams has shown promise as a receiver. In the 2024 season, he recorded 48 receptions for 865 yards and 8 touchdowns, solidifying his status as a key player. The following year, he continued to contribute with 49 receptions for 689 yards and 4 touchdowns, although he faced challenges with a drop rate of 16.9%, one of the highest among qualifying FBS receivers.
Before joining Alabama, Coleman-Williams starred in jersey number 1 at Saraland High School, where he made a name for himself as a top prospect. He was the fourth-ranked overall prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, which added to the expectations surrounding his college career.
Alabama’s head coach, Kalen DeBoer, expressed confidence in Coleman-Williams’ potential for a big year ahead, stating, “I think he’s going to have a big year ahead.” This optimism is bolstered by the fact that Coleman-Williams will be working with a new position coach, Derrick Nix, during the spring, which could further enhance his performance.
As Coleman-Williams prepares for the 2026 season, he is focused on representing both of his last names. He remarked, “It’s both of my last names. I just wanted to represent. That’s pretty much it.” This name change is not just a personal milestone but also a statement of pride in his family heritage.
Coleman-Williams hinted at the name change late last season, and the announcement has been met with interest from fans and analysts alike. As he transitions into this new chapter, all eyes will be on how he performs in his new jersey and under his new name.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further implications of this name change on his playing style or team dynamics, but the excitement surrounding Coleman-Williams continues to grow as the season approaches.
