In recent years, Alabama and Ohio State football have set the benchmark for producing top-notch wide receiver talent that progresses to the NFL.

Nonetheless, the performances of freshmen Ryan Williams for the Crimson Tide and Jeremiah Smith for the Buckeyes are getting a lot of attention among college football fans. Both players are leading their teams in receiving yards as the college football season reaches the five-week mark.

Smith showcased his skills with a couple of sensational catches against Michigan State last Saturday, while Williams secured a crucial 75-yard touchdown against the top-ranked Georgia in Tuscaloosa. Their impactful plays are certainly making a mark early in their college careers.

Some notable recent receivers from Alabama include Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, along with Jaylen Waddle and Jameson Williams. Ohio State has seen talent like Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Garrett Wilson emerge from its program.

Let’s compare the stats, highlights, and recruiting backgrounds of these two exceptional freshman receivers:

College Stats: Ryan Williams vs. Jeremiah Smith

• Ryan Williams: 16 receptions totaling 462 yards and five touchdowns (28.9 yards per catch)
• Jeremiah Smith: 19 receptions for 364 yards and five touchdowns (19.2 yards per catch), plus one carry for 19 yards and a touchdown

Williams ranks seventh in the nation for receiving yards per game with 115.5. Having played four games, his 462 total yards stands as 16th overall in the country, with only three players in the top 16 having played in four games this season.

Smith is positioned 20th in the nation with an average of 91 yards per game and is tied for 38th overall with 364 yards on 19 catches, matching Williams in national rankings for touchdown receptions at eighth place.

Best Game Performance:

• Ryan Williams (vs. Georgia on Sept. 28): Six catches amounting to 177 yards and one touchdown
• Jeremiah Smith (vs. Western Michigan on Sept. 7): Five receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown

Recruiting Overview: Ryan Williams vs. Jeremiah Smith

Smith was rated as the top player in the 2024 recruiting class according to 247Sports’ Composite rankings, while Williams, who shifted from the 2025 class, was closely ranked at No. 4 overall.

In the receiving category, Smith was recognized as the top wide receiver in the 2024 class, with Williams following as the third-best behind Auburn’s Cam Coleman. Originally, Williams held the top spot in the 2025 class until he moved to 2024 post the 2023 Alabama state championship.

Smith attended Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School in Hollywood, Florida, while Williams hailed from Saraland High in Alabama.

On December 14, 2022, Smith pledged his commitment to Ohio State over other schools like Miami, Florida State, Florida, Georgia, and USC. His decision was influenced by a strong relationship with wide receivers coach, Brian Hartline, a former NFL player. Despite late interest from Miami and FSU, Smith officially signed with the Buckeyes in December.

Meanwhile, Williams declared his commitment to Alabama in October 2022, but retracted it following Coach Nick Saban’s retirement in January. After visits to Texas A&M and Alabama alongside Coach Kalen DeBoer, he canceled a Texas visit and recommitted to Alabama on January 24.