Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams are two of the most exciting wide receivers in college football right now. Smith, who plays for Ohio State, is known for his sharp routes, strong hands, and deep-threat ability. Williams, on the other hand, is attracting attention at Alabama with his explosive speed and big-play abilities.
But when comparing these two elite receivers, is there a clear gap? Some believe the competition is close, while others argue Smith is in a league of his own. Meanwhile, a recent opinion from a college football analyst is challenging the accepted norms, and the answer may surprise you.
Breaking Down the Hype: Jeremiah Smith vs Ryan Williams
In a recent interview with “The Next Round,” an analyst shared his thoughts on the comparison between Smith and Williams. He clarified that Smith stands at the top.
“I think Jeremiah Smith is the best player in college football, not just the best receiver in college football,” he said. “Ryan Williams is still absolutely up there, though. He was fantastic last year. I know you guys heard it a million times already, but he was only 17 years old for his entire freshman year.”
Freshman WRs Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams were two of the most talked about college football players last season.
How big is the gap between the two? pic.twitter.com/agEKQUM0Ed
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) May 1, 2025
Smith backed that claim with a strong freshman season, ending the year with 19 catches, 364 yards, and five touchdowns, averaging 19.2 yards per catch. His big-play ability and dominance over defenders have made him one of the most feared receivers in the country.
Ryan Williams had an impressive year too, hauling in 16 passes for 462 yards and five touchdowns, averaging nearly 29 yards per catch. For a freshman, that’s eye-catching. But according to the expert, it’s Smith’s presence, precision, and consistency that separate him from the rest.
Last season, Williams recorded six receptions for 177 yards and a touchdown against Georgia, while Smith had five receptions for 83 yards and a one-handed touchdown against Michigan State. While stats change over time, what remains consistent is Smith’s dominance, keeping him firmly at the top in everyone’s view.
“So yeah, there is a gap. There’s no one even close, I think, right now to Jeremiah Smith. Ryan Williams, if you had to get a silver medal out to anyone, it would be Ryan Williams right now, in my opinion,” the analyst concluded.
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Smith’s ability to lead the pack while Williams continues to rise makes the conversation an exciting one. With both players projected as potential top-five picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, their rivalry will be one to watch. But for now, the Ohio State WR maintains a significant gap between him and the Alabama wide receiver.
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