Ryan Williams Changes Name to Ryan Coleman-Williams
In a significant development for college football, Ryan Williams has announced he will be changing his name to Ryan Coleman-Williams for the 2026 season. This decision was made public on March 6, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where Williams has been a standout player for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The name change reflects a personal connection, as it incorporates the last name of his mother, Tiffany Coleman. Coleman-Williams will don jersey No. 1 in the upcoming season, a shift from his previous jersey No. 2, which he wore during his first two seasons at Alabama.
In his freshman season in 2024, Coleman-Williams had an impressive performance, recording 48 receptions for 865 yards and 8 touchdowns. However, his sophomore year in 2025 was less remarkable, with 49 receptions for 689 yards and 4 touchdowns, alongside a drop rate of 16.9%, one of the highest among qualifying FBS receivers.
The change to jersey No. 1 comes at a pivotal time for the Alabama Crimson Tide, as the team lost two top receivers from the previous season, creating an opportunity for Coleman-Williams to step into a more prominent role. He had previously starred in jersey No. 1 during his high school career at Saraland High School, further adding to the significance of this transition.
Additionally, Alabama has made changes to its coaching staff, hiring Derrick Nix as the new wide receivers coach for the 2026 season. This move is expected to influence the development of Coleman-Williams and the team’s overall performance.
During a game against Tennessee in October 2025, Coleman-Williams hinted at the possibility of this name change, indicating a desire to represent both sides of his heritage. “It’s both of my last names. I just wanted to represent. That’s pretty much it,” he stated.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Alabama Crimson Tide and their fans will be eager to see how Ryan Coleman-Williams embraces his new identity on the field.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the impact this change may have on his performance and the team’s dynamics.
