Former Ohio State wide receiver Jameson Williams recently shared remarks that offer a glimpse into his feelings about his time with the Buckeyes. Williams, who spent two seasons in Columbus before transferring to Alabama, appears to harbor mixed emotions about his tenure at Ohio State, where he struggled to find consistent opportunities amid a star-studded receiving corps.
During a recent appearance on the “St. Brown Podcast,” Williams was asked about his thoughts on Ohio State, but his initial response was brief and dismissive. “Man, I ain’t got nothing to say about them,” Williams replied with a laugh, signaling a reluctance to delve deeply into the subject. However, his follow-up comments provided more context for his departure and his feelings about the program.
Ohio State has long been known for its talent-rich wide receiver room, and Williams’ time there was no exception. Competing for playing time alongside future first-round NFL draft picks Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Williams found himself on the outside looking in. Reflecting on his time in Columbus, he cited a lack of opportunity as a key factor in his decision to transfer. “I think that’s what it was, opportunity. They just wasn’t coming my way,” Williams explained.
In his two seasons with the Buckeyes, Williams saw limited action, catching just six passes for 112 yards as a freshman and recording 154 receiving yards as a sophomore. Despite showcasing his speed and deep-threat potential, the crowded depth chart left him with few chances to shine. It’s hard to fault Ohio State, given the wealth of talent they had at the position, but Williams’ frustration as a competitor is understandable.
Seeking a fresh start, Williams transferred to Alabama, where he immediately made an impact. In his lone season with the Crimson Tide, he caught 79 passes for nearly 1,600 yards, becoming a key offensive weapon and a Heisman contender. His breakout performance catapulted him to the NFL, where he was selected in the first round of the 2022 draft by the Detroit Lions. Reflecting on his move to Alabama, Williams expressed gratitude for the opportunity he received there. “That’s where I needed to be, I feel like. It was going to me and [John] Metchie,” he said.
While his comments suggest some lingering bitterness toward Ohio State, it’s clear that the move ultimately benefited both parties. Williams found the playing time and success he sought, and the Buckeyes continued to thrive with their wealth of talent. In the end, Williams summed up his journey succinctly: “I just really wanted an opportunity. I knew what I could do.”
Both sides can likely agree that everything worked out for the best, but Williams’ experience underscores the challenges and emotions that come with competing at the highest level of college football.
