Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams hasn’t forgotten the sting of last season’s stunning upset at the hands of Vanderbilt—and he’s making sure the SEC knows it.
In a candid appearance on Jon Gruden’s “Inside The FFCA” podcast, the Crimson Tide sophomore standout didn’t mince words when reflecting on the 2024 shock loss that derailed Alabama’s momentum.
“They played a better football game than us,” Williams admitted. “We came out slow, and they capitalized. They got the ball, they had their gameplan, and they executed.”
But the 2025 rematch isn’t just circled on Alabama’s calendar—it’s etched in stone.
“We don’t call them revenge games,” Williams said with conviction. “We’re going to kill an ant with a sledgehammer this year.”
Vanderbilt’s improbable 2024 triumph came right after Alabama had defeated then-top-ranked Georgia, making the loss one of the biggest upsets of the season and subjecting the Tide to national ridicule.
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Williams, who had a breakout freshman campaign with 865 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, was held to just 82 yards on three catches in that game—numbers he’s eager to eclipse come October 4, when Vanderbilt visits Bryant-Denny Stadium.
His remarks have reignited the rivalry and raised the stakes. While Alabama will be heavy favorites this time around, Williams’ bold declaration puts added pressure on the Tide to not only win—but dominate.
With Williams emerging as one of the SEC’s most electric young talents and an emotional leader on the roster, this year’s showdown with the Commodores promises fireworks—and possibly, vengeance served Crimson.
