Jameson Williams Reflects on His Ohio State Experience, Suggesting Lingering Discontent
Jameson Williams, who began his college football career at Ohio State, spent two seasons in Columbus before transferring to Alabama. Despite his time with the Buckeyes, he isn’t widely associated with the program—a distinction likely influenced by his limited opportunities on the field. During a recent appearance on the “St. Brown Podcast,” Williams’ remarks about his former team hinted at unresolved feelings, underscoring the challenges he faced during his stint in Ohio.
Ohio State has consistently boasted one of the most talented wide receiver groups in college football, and Williams found himself in a crowded room during his time there. Competing for snaps alongside future first-round NFL draft picks Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Chris Olave, Williams struggled to carve out a significant role. When asked about Ohio State on the podcast, his curt response spoke volumes.
“Man, I ain’t got nothing to say about them,” Williams remarked, eliciting laughter from those present.
While his time with the Buckeyes was underwhelming, Williams flourished after transferring to Alabama. In his lone season with the Crimson Tide, he hauled in 79 passes for nearly 1,600 yards, establishing himself as one of the premier wide receivers in college football. His standout performance earned him Heisman Trophy buzz and ultimately a first-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.
Reflecting on his Ohio State tenure, Williams acknowledged the lack of opportunities as a major factor in his departure.
“I think that’s what it was—opportunity. They just wasn’t coming my way,” Williams said.
Statistics from his time in Columbus back this up. As a freshman, he played in 11 games but managed only six catches for 112 yards. His sophomore year wasn’t much different, with eight appearances yielding just 154 receiving yards. Though he showcased his speed and potential as a deep threat, he remained overshadowed by the talent ahead of him on the depth chart.
Williams found the fresh start he needed at Alabama, where he formed a dynamic duo with John Metchie III. Reflecting on his move to Tuscaloosa, Williams said, “That’s where I needed to be, I feel like. It was going to me and Metchie.”
While his comments suggest a lingering bitterness toward Ohio State, it’s not difficult to understand his perspective. As a highly competitive athlete, being sidelined while others thrived would undoubtedly sting. However, Ohio State’s decision to prioritize other players was also understandable, given the abundance of talent they had at the time.
Ultimately, the transfer proved mutually beneficial. Williams realized his potential in Alabama’s system, showcasing his abilities on the national stage. Looking back, Williams summed up his feelings succinctly: “I just really wanted an opportunity. I knew what I could do.”
In the end, both parties came out ahead. Williams found the platform he needed, and Ohio State continued to thrive with its elite roster of receivers. While his experience in Columbus may not have been ideal, it set the stage for him to shine elsewhere—proving that sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes.
