Much has been made of Alabama WR Ryan Williams’ 17 years of age, but his play to begin the 2024 season has already caused fans to ask, “When is he eligible for the NFL Draft?” Luckily for the Crimson Tide faithful, it won’t be for another couple of years.
Alabama Freshman Phenom Ryan Williams Already Looking Like a Future First-Round Pick
Williams will be eligible for the NFL Draft until the 2027 cycle, giving Alabama the rest of this season and two more campaigns to benefit from his athletic abilities.
To enter the NFL Draft, players must be removed from high school for at least three years. Underclassmen who meet this mark and wish to forego their final season can request approval from the league to declare early.
After reclassifying to the 2024 recruiting class, Williams committed to Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide. But after the head coach announced his retirement, the star WR re-opened his recruitment. However, after staying in contact with the program and speaking to new head coach Kalen Deboer, Williams kept his word and enrolled at Alabama.
In Williams’ CFB debut, he caught two passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns against Western Kentucky — it was just a taste of what was to come.
- Week 2 vs. USF: 4-68-1 receiving line
- Week 3 at Wisconsin: 4-78-1
- Week 4 vs. Georgia: 6-177-1
- Week 5 at Vanderbilt: 3-82-1, plus a two-yard TD run
At Saraland High School in Alabama, Williams turned heads as an offensive juggernaut. Over his last two seasons, he racked up over 4,600 all-purpose yards and crossed the end zone 65 times, establishing himself as one of the most explosive playmakers in the nation.
MORE: See Every Team’s CFP Odds With the College Football Playoff Meter 2024
The start of his collegiate career has only validated his high school dominance, as Williams continues to flash his game-breaking ability on the big stage. The craziest part? He won’t even turn 18 until next Feb. 9.
Alabama is no stranger to producing elite WRs — Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy, Calvin Ridley, Amari Cooper, Julio Jones, etc. — but Williams isn’t just next in line; he could set a new standard.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.