The Alabama Crimson Tide might’ve hit turbulent waters in the 2024 season, but one player is riding high above the storm. While Kalen DeBoer struggled to steer the team clear of the post-Nick Saban slump, there was one bright, shining star who managed to dodge the fallout and come out smelling like roses: Ryan Williams.
The 17-year-old wide receiver didn’t just survive his debut season—he thrived. After a breakout game against Georgia, Williams’ star power exploded, propelling him into the elite tier of NIL earners. But the question is, will he soar to new heights or crash under the weight of his newfound fame, like Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith?
From Touchdowns to Millions: Ryan Williams’ NIL Rocket Ship Takes Off
Let’s rewind to the start of the season. Williams entered the 2024 campaign with an impressive NIL valuation of $768,000—not bad for a rookie. But everything changed on September 29, when Alabama squared off against the Georgia Bulldogs in a high-stakes showdown.
With the game on the line, Williams pulled off a spectacular game-winning touchdown, sealing a 41-34 victory for the Crimson Tide. And just like that—BOOM!—his NIL value skyrocketed to $1.5 million almost overnight. But that was just the beginning. Fast forward a few months, and Williams now sits on a staggering $2.3 million NIL valuation.
While many athletes struggle to juggle brand deals with the demands of college football, Williams seems to have it down to a science. His partnerships read like a who’s who of major brands: Uber Eats, Hollister, and now, in a major coup, he’s inked deals with Nintendo and Epic Games—two titans of the gaming world.
Gaming Glory: Ryan Williams Joins Forces with Epic Games
On February 6, Alabama defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe dropped a playful reel on Instagram featuring Williams. In the clip, the two were seen diving deep into a Fortnite session on their Nintendo Switch consoles, with the caption: “When running Fortnite on Nintendo Switch, you know we locked in #EpicPartner #NintendoPartner @fortnite.”
The playful banter between Mbakwe and Williams had fans laughing, especially when Mbakwe teased, “You gonna d-e anyway,” as Williams stayed glued to his screen, unfazed. But this wasn’t just about fun and games—it was a clear signal that both players had landed a lucrative partnership with Epic Games, the $22.5 billion gaming juggernaut behind Fortnite.
But here’s where the story takes a twist. Before Williams, another college football phenom had caught Epic Games’ eye—Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith.
Jeremiah Smith’s NIL Rollercoaster: A Cautionary Tale for Williams?
While Ryan Williams is riding high, he’s not the first young wide receiver to strike gold in the NIL game. Jeremiah Smith, the Ohio State Buckeyes’ star freshman, was already making waves with a jaw-dropping $3.7 million NIL valuation. His on-field prowess earned him Freshman All-American honors from the Football Writers Association of America, and his NIL deals seemed to reflect his growing stardom.
On January 14, Smith shared a video on Instagram of himself unwinding after practice with—you guessed it—Fortnite on his Nintendo Switch. The caption? “Practice is done, time for some Fortnite on my Nintendo Switch #EpicPartner #NintendoPartner.” The video was quickly reshared by CFB on Fox, with the caption: “This Jeremiah Smith NIL deal is sick.”
But what was supposed to be a victory lap turned into a PR nightmare. Fans weren’t impressed with Smith’s on-screen charisma—or lack thereof. The trolling began almost immediately, with comments like, “At least take some acting classes,” and “You can see he has very little on-screen personality,” flooding his social media. For all his on-field talent, Smith found himself caught in the crosshairs of internet critics who were merciless about his lackluster performance in front of the camera.
Now, as Ryan Williams steps into the same spotlight, the question is: Will history repeat itself?
Will Ryan Williams Soar or Stumble in the NIL Spotlight?
Williams has all the tools for success—talent, charisma, and now, a booming NIL portfolio. But the road ahead isn’t without its pitfalls. As Jeremiah Smith’s experience shows, NIL success isn’t just about athletic performance. It’s about navigating the media landscape, balancing personal branding, and avoiding the dreaded backlash that can come with high-profile deals.
Williams has been savvy so far, carefully curating his image and keeping his focus on both the gridiron and his growing business ventures. But as he follows in Smith’s footsteps, he’ll need to be cautious not to let the hype train derail his momentum.
One thing’s for sure: Ryan Williams’ story is just getting started. With a $2.3 million NIL valuation and partnerships with some of the biggest names in the game, he’s on the brink of becoming one of the most marketable athletes in college football. But will he rise to the occasion—or become another cautionary tale in the fast-paced world of NIL deals?
Only time will tell. But one thing’s certain—Ryan Williams is locked in, and the world is watching.
