Name change starts Ryan Coleman-Williams' quest for Alabama football legacy
The name change was just the start for Ryan Coleman-Williams . The junior Alabama football wide receiver is wanting to build something bigger, something he started with two small shifts: the name on the back of his jersey and the number below it.
"I have a legacy that I want to write," Coleman-Williams said Thursday, March 12 after Alabama's third spring practice . "And, you know, my mom is a strong part in that. She's my best friend. And the last name Coleman comes from her, obviously. So just wanted to represent my family to the best of my ability and get ready for the legacy I'm about to leave behind."
The number? The return from No. 2 to No. 1, the number he wore at Saraland High School? It's an opportunity for "a hard reset."
"Just make me feel like myself again, get ready for a season that doesn't disappoint," Coleman-Williams said.
Coleman-Williams' answer to a star freshman season with the Crimson Tide left a bit to be desired. He had one more catch in 2025 than he did in 2024, but the rest of his numbers took a dramatic fall with 689 yards receiving and four touchdown catches. Coleman-Williams took a back seat to Germie Bernard , who proved to be the face of the Alabama passing game last year.
That's who Coleman-Williams wants to be in 2026. And that's the expectation those around him have for him too, even if it's not totally on Coleman-Williams.
"Just let the game come to him," Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said. "He's so naturally talented and he's such a hard worker and a great kid. The ownership he had after the season I think is something that really stands out to me. And honestly, a concerted effort on our part to make sure we're getting him enough touches in every game. If we can't get him the ball down the field, we got to find a way to get the ball in his hand early. He's shown that he's really, really electric. If there's issues with contested catches and things like that, then you got to be more creative and just find ways to get him the football in his hands."
Coleman-Williams enters 2026 grateful, grateful for an opportunity to play for a program that believes in him and will make him better. To Coleman-Williams, 2025 was not a "disappointment," but a jumping off point to the legacy he wants to leave.
"It's never a loss, it's a lesson," Coleman-Williams said.
Alabama will end its 2026 spring practice schedule Saturday, April 11 with A-Day. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Why Ryan Williams changed name before Alabama football 2026 season
