Ryan Williams Changes Name to Ryan Coleman-Williams for 2026 Season

Ryan Williams Changes Name to Ryan Coleman-Williams

Ryan Williams, a standout player for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has announced that he will change his name to Ryan Coleman-Williams for the 2026 season. This change reflects his desire to honor his mother, Tiffany Coleman, by incorporating her last name.

Coleman-Williams will don jersey No. 1, a significant shift from his previous number, No. 2, which he wore during his first two seasons at Alabama. This change comes after Isaiah Horton, who wore No. 1 in 2025, transferred to Texas A&M in January 2026.

In his college career thus far, Coleman-Williams has made a name for himself as a five-star recruit and was the fourth-ranked overall prospect in the 2024 recruiting class. During the 2024 season, he recorded 48 receptions for 865 yards and 8 touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Crimson Tide.

His performance continued into 2025, where he had 49 receptions for 689 yards and 4 touchdowns. However, he faced challenges with a drop rate of 16.9%, one of the highest among qualifying FBS receivers that season.

Throughout the first five games of the 2024 season, Coleman-Williams averaged an impressive 109 yards per game, indicating his ability to make significant contributions on the field. As he prepares for the upcoming season, he will be working with a new position coach, Derrick Nix, starting in the spring of 2026.

Coleman-Williams hinted at his name change during a game against Tennessee in October 2025, signaling his intention to embrace this new identity. In his own words, he stated, “It’s both of my last names. I just wanted to represent. That’s pretty much it.” This reflects his commitment to honoring his family while continuing to excel in his athletic career.

As the 2026 season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this name change and new jersey number affect Coleman-Williams’ performance on the field.