Week 5’s instant classic in Tuscaloosa, a 41-34 Alabama victory against Georgia in a top-five showdown, featured numerous former elite prospects in both uniforms. While veterans certainly made myriad impact plays that determined the outcome, a few five-star freshmen introduced themselves to the broader college football consciousness.
Alabama receiver Ryan Williams, cornerback Zabien Brown and Georgia safety KJ Bolden played the most meaningful snaps of those young five-stars on these two star-studded rosters. The 247Sports national scouting team provides an even closer in-depth look at those three, plus additional notes from the seismic Alabama-Georgia clash, as well as insight on several more headline-grabbing performances from around the college football weekend.
RYAN WILLIAMS, ALABAMA WR
How could a 17-year-old do what Williams did against a defense as talented as Georgia? Williams, who reclassified from 2025 to 2024 and enrolled early, made anyone who was not already aware of him more than aware with his six receptions for 177 yards.
Williams’ exclamation point was a game-winning 75-yard touchdown that showcased his uncanny short-area suddenness, body control and top-end speed.
On that play, Williams ran away from defenders who ran 10.55- (Julian Humphrey) and 10.76-second (Bolden) 100-meter times in high school; that’s because Williams ran a 10.49, in addition to respective 21.28- and 47.84-second times in the 200- and 400-meter dashes. Oh, by the way, he also had a 6-foot-8 high jump.
We know some readers get tired of just how often we emphasize multi-sport participation. But in Williams’ case, the absurd athleticism that he displays in pads undoubtedly derives from his varied athletic background and verified track speed.
Those data points played a major role in Williams maintaining Top247 five-star (and top-10 overall) status, even after reclassifying.
Williams, who doesn’t turn 18 until February, and fellow true freshman Jeremiah Smith — the 2024 Top247’s No. 1 overall prospect — are two of the most dynamic playmakers in the country in only their first few college games. — Gabe Brooks, 247Sports national scouting analyst
