Alabama lands 2 playmakers on ESPN’s list of ‘most important’ players for 2025 season
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
As Alabama enters the 2025 season, the offense appears to be enhanced going into Kalen DeBoer’s second year as head coach. Two vital reasons for that are junior quarterback Ty Simpson and sophomore wide receiver Ryan Williams.
The potential dynamic duo each appear on ESPN analyst Bill Connell’s list of the 40 most important college football players in 2025.
Simpson is ranked No. 3 behind only Texas quarterback Arch Manning and Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton. Meanwhile, Williams checks in at No. 27 in the “Pure transcendence potential” category.
After limited reps in 3 seasons, the veteran Simpson is finally getting his shot as QB1. Connelly is fascinated to find out if he can maintain the reins for the entire season. Here’s an excerpt of his analysis on Simpson:
With Ryan Grubb rejoining Kalen DeBoer as offensive coordinator and receiver Ryan Williams returning, it seems this is a great situation for a new QB. Can Simpson, a longtime backup, seize his opportunity and lead Bama through tricky early road trips to Florida State and Georgia? Or will he be supplanted by a youngster by midseason?
Williams flashed his potential early on as a freshman before eventually cooling off. Overall, he tallied 48 receptions for 865 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2024. Connelly believes the Alabama native has the capability to be a massive difference-maker in his second season:
Williams’ production trailed off after a torrid first five games, but it’s clear what he is capable of. If he channels Georgia energy for a larger portion of 2025, he’ll make the Tide awfully terrifying.
Simpson and Williams will aim to get their connection off to a strong start in No. 8 Alabama’s season opener at Florida State on Aug. 30 (3:30 p.m. ET/ABC).
