Alabama WR Ryan Coleman-Williams Changes Name, Jersey Number

The junior wide receiver explains his decision to alter his last name and switch to jersey No. 1 ahead of the 2026 season.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:22pm

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Alabama wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams has made two notable changes ahead of his junior season - he's now going by the last name "Coleman-Williams" instead of just "Williams", and he's switched his jersey number from No. 2 to No. 1. Coleman-Williams explained that the last name change represents his mother's side of the family, while the number change is a "hard reset" to help him bounce back after a down sophomore campaign.

Why it matters

Coleman-Williams is one of Alabama's top returning receivers, so any changes he makes will be closely watched by the team and its fans. The name and number switch could signal a renewed focus and determination as he looks to regain his freshman form when he had 865 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns.

The details

Coleman-Williams said the decision to add his mother's maiden name, Coleman, to his jersey was a way to better represent his family legacy. As for the number change, he felt it would help him "feel like myself again" after a disappointing sophomore season where his production dipped. Coleman-Williams had 49 catches for 689 yards and 4 TDs in 2025, down from 48 receptions for 865 yards and 8 scores as a freshman.

  • Coleman-Williams announced the name and number changes on March 6, 2026.
  • He explained the reasoning behind the changes to reporters on March 12, 2026.

The players

Ryan Coleman-Williams

A junior wide receiver at the University of Alabama who is looking to bounce back after a down sophomore season.

Kalen DeBoer

The head coach of the Alabama football team, who said Coleman-Williams has "taken on a leadership role" despite his young age.

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What they’re saying

“It was actually a buildup into things, but especially my last name, it was something that I tried to take some time to think about because I have a legacy that I want to write and my mom is a strong part in that. She's my best friend, and the last name 'Coleman' comes from her. Just wanted to represent my family to the best of my ability and get ready for the legacy that I'll leave behind.”

— Ryan Coleman-Williams, Alabama Wide Receiver

“As far as my number, it's an opportunity to have a hard reset. Just make me feel like myself again, and get ready for a season that doesn't disappoint.”

— Ryan Coleman-Williams, Alabama Wide Receiver

What’s next

Coleman-Williams and the Alabama football team will continue their spring practice schedule, leading up to the Crimson Tide's season opener against Eastern Carolina on September 6, 2026.

The takeaway

Ryan Coleman-Williams' decision to change his name and jersey number signals a renewed focus and determination as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing sophomore campaign. The changes represent his desire to honor his family legacy and "feel like himself again" heading into a crucial junior season for the Alabama wide receiver.