Alabama WR Ryan Williams’ NIL Valuation Nearly Doubles After Huge Game vs. Georgia

Adam WellsOctober 1, 2024

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Being a wide receiver at Alabama is a good starting point for any freshman player, but having the best game of your debut season against Georgia in prime time on national television is going to significantly raise your profile.

Per Pete Nakos of On3.com, the 17-year-old Williams had his NIL valuation nearly double from $768,000 to $1.5 million after catching the game-winning touchdown in Alabama’s 41-34 victory over Georgia on Saturday night.

Using the updated NIL chart from On3.com, Williams’ new valuation ranks 14th among all college athletes. He is right in line with Duke freshman sensation Cooper Flagg and LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (both at $1.5 million), and slightly ahead of LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson and Connecticut’s Paige Bueckers (both at $1.4 million).

After the Bulldogs erased a 28-point deficit to take a 34-33 lead with 2:31 remaining, the Crimson Tide responded on their next offensive play with Williams making one of the most absurd catch-and-run plays in recent memory on a pass from Jalen Milroe for the go-ahead score.

SportsCenter @SportsCenterABSOLUTE SCENES IN TUSCALOOSA!!!

RYAN WILLIAMS WITH A 75-YARD TD TO RETAKE THE LEAD! pic.twitter.com/pvc9ML7E7G

Between the end of the game and Monday morning, Williams gained 96,000 followers on Instagram.

Im a writer @JayJDONDARyan Williams has gained 96,000 followers since Saturday night, he has now become the most followed Alabama player on Instagram passing Jalen Milroe…come to Bama build your brand and play in big games as a freshman!!! That script A holds weight!! #TheStandard #RMFT 🐘🐘 pic.twitter.com/5zcGc7CRTe

Nakos noted Williams’ Instagram followers have now increased by more than 160,000 since the game, and his total social-media following is over 640,000.

Williams finished with six receptions for 177 yards and a score in just his fourth college game against a Bulldogs defense that had given up a total of 18 points in their first three games.

An Alabama native, Williams reclassified to the 2024 class in December and kept his commitment to the Crimson Tide. He was a 5-star prospect and the No. 4 overall recruit in the nation, per 247Sports’ composite rankings.

Williams has recorded 16 catches for 462 yards and five touchdowns through Alabama’s first four games this season. He will be eligible for the NFL draft as a 20-year-old in 2027.