Alabama standout Ryan Williams and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith have quickly become two of college football’s most exciting young talents. As true freshmen in 2024, both wide receivers earned Freshman All-American honors, with Smith playing a crucial role in the Buckeyes’ national title run.
Williams recently spoke about their connection, highlighting how their friendship pushes each to improve. With EA Sports College Football 26 launching July 10, Smith and Williams are expected to feature prominently in the game’s marketing, representing two of the sport’s biggest brands and brightest stars heading into the 2025 season.
Ryan Williams Opens Up on Competitive Bond With Jeremiah Smith
Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams recently shed light on his evolving relationship with Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith, calling it a prime example of the “iron sharpens iron” mentality. In an interview with CBS Sports at EA Studios, Williams said Smith’s performances serve as constant motivation.
Talked with Ryan Williams a lil bit down in Orlando about the biggest lessons learned in his freshman year at Alabama, being on the EA CFB 26 cover with Jeremiah Smith and how the two star WRs have built an “iron sharpen iron relationship” https://t.co/ls2DxtbIUF
— Robby Kalland (@RKalland) June 6, 2025
“I will say we check in on each other pretty often,” Williams said. “It’s an iron-sharpens-iron relationship, because we got to know [what each other’s doing]. I mean, we’re the top two guys according to everybody, so just making sure nobody’s getting the upper hand too much, I guess you could say.”
Smith, a key factor in Ohio State’s 2024 national championship run, tallied 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, along with a rushing score and 47 rushing yards. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound wideout was named Big Ten Receiver of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and a first-team All-American, in addition to earning Rose Bowl MVP honors.
Williams also had an impressive debut season, recording 48 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns, along with 48 rushing yards and two rushing scores. With his first year behind him, he’s focused on applying lessons learned—chief among them: time management.
“Definitely the time management throughout the week,” he said. “You have certain times where you can dive into watching the DBs… just being able to have that upper hand, but knowing when to do it.”
Away from the field, Williams finds time to unwind with EA Sports College Football 26, where he’s not only a featured athlete but also a dedicated player.
“I got an opportunity to score two touchdowns with myself… I had two catches, two tuds, 121 [yards],” he said, jokingly boasting about a recent session.
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As Alabama and Ohio State enter 2025 ranked No. 9 and No. 5 in ESPN’s way-too-early poll, both teams are still seeking new quarterbacks after losing last year’s starters to the NFL. The Crimson Tide will open at Florida State, while the Buckeyes face Texas on Aug. 30.
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