The young talented University of Alabama athlete, Ryan Williams, announced one of the biggest decisions of his life this month.
Williams’ now fiancé, Alexis Hill, shared with social media on Instagram, that they are now engaged. Hill posted an Instagram story on Valentine’s Day, captioning it “My forever valentine” showing off her engagement ring. Following her post, there has been controversy due to their age gap. Their engagement adds more spotlight on Williams not only on the field but also in his personal life.
Williams is a standout wide receiver who plays for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Born in 2007 and raised in Mobile, Ala., Williams entered football at the collegate level at the age of 17. In 2024 , he was the youngest player in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). He gained national attention due to his athleticism and speed. In his second year at Alabama he has 1,200 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Williams, 19, and Hill 25, have been publicly together since July 2025, and she has a child from a previous relationship.
Hill tries to keep herself out of the spotlight and maintain a private profile. She often documents photos of the two celebrating after a win or moments from game days in Alabama.
According to Business Insider, engagement rate in college athletes range from three percent to 10%. Brigham Young University, in Utah, has the highest rate of student-athlete relationships.
Additionally, Cristian Driver — son of Donald Driver, Green Bay Packers legend — announced in Sept. 2025 his marriage to Maggie Golder. Driver is a junior football player at the University of Minnesota and Driver is a senior lacrosse player at Pennsylvania State University.
Jonny Scagel, a University of Alabama student who met Williams, is thrilled for him and Hill.
“It’s definitely great news that Ryan Williams got engaged,” he said. “I am very happy for him and his now fiancé. I do think it will have a positive impact on his football career. My friend and I, Tanner, who is very involved in the football community, said jokingly, maybe Ryan Williams will be able to catch the ball this year.”
Williams’s sophomore slump was marked by injuries and frequent dropped passes. He struggled to stay consistent, describing it as a mental issue. In Williams’s previous year as a freshman, he was a breakout player, earning Freshman All-American and First-Team All-SEC. At 17 years old, his 2024 season recorded 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns.
Scagel’s roommate, Jack Seiffer, thinks Williams’s is young to tie the knot, but that his talent shouldn’t be affected by this monumental moment in his life.
“I am definitely very happy for him, although he still is really young to get engaged,” Jack said. “In my opinion, if it’s a healthy marriage it shouldn’t affect his play.”
Williams nickname is “Hollywood” for his showy playstyle — in his 2026 season, Williams’s estimated NIL was between $2-$3 million.
