The Alabama Crimson Tide hope to have a much more successful season in 2025 than they did in 2024 after dropping three games plus a bowl game.

If they are going to right the wrongs and get the train back on the winning tracks, one player who is going to be a massive part of that is superstar rising sophomore wide receiver Ryan Williams.

Williams — who burst onto the scene early last years as the 17-year-old sensation — faded a bit down the stretch for the Tide and struggled to make as much of an impact as he did early on.

Nonetheless, the college football world has already been introduced him, and as a result, he was named to a prestigious preseason watch list.

Announced by the official team account, Williams was placed on the watch list for the Maxwell Award by the Maxwell Football Club this week:

Maxwell Award ▶️ Best Player in College Football @Ryanwms1

🔗: https://t.co/cjuPmx8DTP | #RollTide pic.twitter.com/82tTTtQv2L

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) July 28, 2025

The Maxwell Award has been presented annually since 1937 to the most outstanding player in college football, usually on the offensive side of the ball.

Last year, Williams had 865 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 18 yards per reception.

Playing an electrifying brand of football which puts eyes on him every single Saturday, the spotlight on Williams this year is going to be as big as it’s been throughout his career.

If his first year is any indication, he’s not going to have any problem living up to it.