With just around six minutes left in the fourth quarter and down 31-17 against FSU, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson took the snap, rolled to his right, and floated a pass downfield to wide receiver Ryan Williams. Williams was unable to haul the pass, and two FSU defensive backs converged on him to make a hit.
What’s Ryan Williams’ Injury Status?
Williams stayed on the ground after the hit and was attended to by medical staff. ESPN posted, “Ryan Williams was helped off the field after suffering an apparent injury in the 4th quarter vs. FSU. There was no targeting after review on the play.”
Ryan Williams was helped off the field after suffering an apparent injury in the 4th quarter vs. FSU.
There was no targeting after review on the play. pic.twitter.com/3jFuXYSJ3I
— ESPN (@espn) August 30, 2025
Pete Nakos quickly followed up with, “Alabama WR Ryan Williams is headed to the locker room.”
Alabama WR Ryan Williams is headed to the locker room.https://t.co/RBPI8io0Cq
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) August 30, 2025
Florida State defensive back Earl Little was initially flagged for targeting, but after reviewing the play, officials overturned the call, ruling that Little did not make helmet-to-helmet contact.
Mark Heim of AL.com reports that during the broadcast, ESPN’s rules analyst Matt Austin said that the ruling was entirely in the hands of the officials.
“The replay official has a clean slate, so he doesn’t need to confirm or let the call stand,” Austin said. “He’s looking at this fresh and making the call himself.
However, Austin was critical of the ruling.
“This is definitely a defenseless player. The defender definitely comes in and attacks,” Austin said. “He does make contact to the head. The only question here is it is a little bit of glancing blow. If I’m in the replay seat, I’m gonna call this targeting.”
Williams left the game after making five catches for 30 yards.
Alabama lost 31-17 to Florida State, and after the game, Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed that Williams sustained a concussion.
“Yeah, he got a concussion,” DeBoer said. “He got a concussion.”
The sophomore receiver entered 2025 with big expectations. Williams finished his freshman year in 2024 as a Freshman All-America and led Alabama with 865 receiving yards on 48 catches with eight touchdowns. He was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, was first team All-SEC, and was a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
It’s unclear how long Williams will be out.
