Ryan Williams won’t be 17 anymore when the 2025 Alabama football season begins. The Crimson Tide wide receiver, the most famous minor in college football during his true freshman year, will be facing enormous expectations as a sophomore, with a new quarterback and facing defenses that have plenty of tape on him.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday while attending a Senior Bowl practice in Mobile, Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer said he was optimistic about Williams getting even better with age.

“I know that he’s got much higher goals than what he accomplished this year,” DeBoer said. “And that’s individually and as a team. I’m really excited about him taking the next steps as a leader now. He’s gonna take care of his business and do what he needs to do, and we’re gonna be there to help him refine the things that are gonna make him the best of the best.”

Williams finished 2024 with 48 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. His best games came early in the season, and he was especially productive against Georgia, going for 177 receiving yards and the game-winning touchdown.

The Saraland native was a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Award, which goes to the nation’s top freshman.

“He’s a team player through and through,” DeBoer said. “We saw that all season long. Him and Germ(ie Bernard) coming back as the leaders of the receiving core, I’m excited about what they bring from a mindset. When your best players are your best people and highest-character guys, it’s exciting what it can become, so we have that at the receiving core.”

The Alabama receiver room will also have some newcomers for the 2025 season. Isaiah Horton transferred in from Miami, and the most recent recruiting class includes Lotzier Brooks and Derek Meadows.

In addition, Cole Adams and Jalen Hale are set to return from injury, and Jaylen Mbakwe was practicing as a wideout ahead of the ReliaQuest Bowl, moving over from defensive back.

“I really like the way that that group is coming along under (Williams and Bernard’s) guidance,” DeBoer said.

Alabama’s A-Day spring game is scheduled for April 12. The Crimson Tide will open the 2025 regular season Aug. 30 at Florida State.