Ahead of the 2026 college football season, all the programs are scrambling to get their hands on the best talent, while players are on the lookout for their next big destination. The new season will also see some other players continue with their last programs, but with a different appearance. In this case, it’s Alabama’s wide receiver, Ryan Williams.
The Crimson Tide’s standout stellar wideout Ryan Williams will enter the 2026 season with a new name and a jersey number. Previously donning the no. 2 jersey accompanied by his last name, “Williams,” he is all set to step on the field with a complete jersey revamp. Williams will now wear the no. 1 jersey this upcoming campaign, and the name on the back of his jersey will not only have his last name.
“Ryan Coleman-Williams” is what fans will see on the wide receiver’s back this time around, a complete 180 from his no. 2 Williams jersey, which he donned for a total of two years.
WR Ryan Williams announces new name and jersey number (Post via X/Charlie_Potter)
However, this is not the first time Williams has represented his full name on the field. Back in October last year, Ryan featured his full name on his eyeblack during his side’s win over Tennessee in the 2025 season. Upon being asked the reason behind it, Williams gave a simple answer.
“It’s both of my last names.I just wanted to represent. That’s pretty much it.”, Williams stated.
Williams’ revamped jersey name is the addition of his mother, Tiffany Coleman’s, last name, too. Meanwhile, the wide receiver for the Alabama Crimson Tide had a solid 2025 college football season, recording a total of 49 receptions for 689 yards, while also averaging 14.1 yards per catch, with 4 touchdowns to his name.
Which Other Alabama Players Have Changed Their Jersey Numbers?
While his change might be the most prominent, WR Ryan Williams is not the only Crimson Tide player to move away from his previous numbers.
A total of 13 Alabama players have decided to go into the 2026 CFB season with new jersey numbers, with the likes of fellow wide receiver Rico Scott also changing his number from 11 to 7.
Running Back Kevin Riley will now don no. 6 on the back of his jersey, a stark change from 28, while offensive lineman Jackson Lloyd changes his numerals from 78 to 77.
Here’s the entire list of Alabama players with different jersey numbers:
1 – Ryan Coleman-Williams, WR (was 2)
3 – Lotzeir Brooks, WR (was 17)
4 – Luke Metz, LB (was 26)
6 – Red Morgan, DB (was 16)
6 – Kevin Riley, RB (was 28)
7 – Rico Scott, WR (was 11)
9 – Marshall Pritchett, TE (was 14)
23 – Cayden Jones, LB (was 30)
45 – Jay Williams, SN (was 46)
59 – JD Martin, OL (was 54)
69 – Baker Hickman (was 66)
77 – Jackson Llyod, OL (was 78)
While Alabama players have decided to change their jersey numbers ahead of the new season, it remains to be seen if it will have an impact on the change of their fortunes as far as the 2026 campaign is concerned.
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