Ryan Williams describes his thoughts on Alabama's rivalry with Tennessee

Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams grew up in the Nick Saban era, watching the Crimson Tide compete against multiple rivals on a yearly basis. Most fans will tell you Auburn takes the top spot but another corner will go on about their displeasure of Tennessee. Something about the Third Saturday in October means a little more to them.

Williams is from the Yellowhammer State and since his father played football at Auburn, the Iron Bowl was always top priority. But he did admit Tennessee was secondary on the rivalry list with Georgia not too far behind after watching a few Bama-UGA battles growing up and through the recruiting process.

“I’m going to be honest,” Williams said. “Growing up, because my Dad played at Auburn, it had to be the Iron Bowl first. Then it was Tennessee and then with Georgia playing good these last couple of years.”

Asked for some of his memories of the Tennessee rivalry, Williams named a Vols legend before bringing up the lone Alabama loss of his life. Williams remembers the performance Jalin Hyatt put up in 2022 in what turned out to be a historic moment at Neyland Stadium — one they will be discussing many years down the road.

Williams is trying to use the loss as motivation despite being a sophomore in high school.

“Peyton Manning,” Williams said. “The most recent, Jalin Hyatt. I typically try to think of the ones where we didn’t do as well so then it adds to the fuel.”

Kalen DeBoer will be hoping for a big performance from his star true freshman, currently being the team’s leading receiver. Williams has caught 23 passes for 576 yards and six touchdowns, averaging an incredible 25 yards per reception. However, the damage against South Carolina was minimal, having a career-low four catches for 32 yards.

If Williams can put up gaudy numbers against Tennessee, the first rivalry win of his career will come with a nice cigar waiting on the other side.