Alabama and Ohio State football have been the standard bearers for sending college football wide receiver talent to the NFL over the last several years.
However, what true freshmen Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith are doing for the Crimson Tide and the Buckeyes, respectively, is still catching the eyes of college football fans. Both freshman receivers lead their respective teams in receiving yards through the first five weeks of the college football season.
Smith made a pair of highlight grabs against Michigan State on Saturday, while Williams made a clutch 75-yard game-winning touchdown grab against top-ranked Georgia in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. In that sense, both are making a large imprint on their teams early in their careers.
Recent Alabama receivers include Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle and Jameson Williams, among others. Ohio State’s list includes Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Garrett Wilson.
Here’s a look at how the top two freshmen receivers in the country compare, including stats, highlights and recruiting:
Ryan Williams vs. Jeremiah Smith college stats
Ryan Williams: 16 receptions for 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) | one rush for 19 yards and a touchdown
Williams is seventh in the nation in receiving yards per game at 115.5 ypg. In four games, Williams’ 462 yards on 16 receptions ranks 16th in the country in four games played. Only three of the top 16 have played in four games this season.
Smith is 20th in the country with 91 yards per game and tied for 38th with former Alabama receiver Isaiah Bond with 364 yards on 19 receptions. With five touchdown receptions each, Williams and Smith are tied for eighth nationally.
Best single-game performance:
Ryan Williams (vs. Georgia on Sept. 28): Six receptions for 177 yards and a touchdown
Jeremiah Smith (vs. Western Michigan on Sept. 7): Five receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown
Ryan Williams vs Jeremiah Smith recruiting
According to 247Sports’ Composite rankings, Smith was the top-ranked player in the 2024 recruiting class. But Williams, who reclassified from the 2025 recruiting class, was not far behind, at No. 4 overall.
Smith was also the top-ranked wide receiver in the class, with Williams coming in third behind Auburn’s Cam Coleman. Williams was originally the top player in the 2025 class but re-classified to 2024 following the 2023 Alabama state championship game.
Smith attended Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School in Hollywood, Florida, for high school. Williams went to Saraland High in Saraland, Alabama.
On Dec. 14, 2022, Smith committed to Ohio State over offers from Miami, Florida State, Florida, Georgia and USC, among others. Smith committed to the Buckeyes due to a strong connection with wide receivers coach and former NFL player Brian Hartline. Smith signed with OSU last December during the early signing period, despite late runs from Miami and FSU.
Williams committed to Alabama in October 2022. However, he backed off his pledge following Nick Saban’s retirement in January. Following recruiting visits to Texas A&M and Alabama with Kalen DeBoer, Williams canceled a visit to Texas and re-committed to Alabama on Jan. 24.
Ryan Williams vs Jeremiah Smith highlights
Ryan Williams
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Jeremiah Smith