**“Alabama’s Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams Named to Prestigious Biletnikoff Award Watch List as Crimson Tide Eyes Fourth All-Time Winner”**

The tradition of excellence at Alabama continues as Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams find themselves named to the prestigious Biletnikoff Award Watch List. The announcement, made by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, is a testament to the immense talent and potential that both wide receivers bring to the Crimson Tide offense heading into the 2025 season. For a program that has prided itself on producing elite wide receiver talent, this recognition further solidifies Alabama’s place as a breeding ground for some of the nation’s most dynamic pass-catchers.

Bernard and Williams were among 47 players across the country named to the preseason list, a collection of the most promising receivers in college football. The Biletnikoff Award, named after the legendary Fred Biletnikoff, annually honors the top pass-catcher in the nation, regardless of position. That inclusivity spans wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs who excel in the receiving game, though wideouts tend to dominate the list. For Alabama, the placement of Bernard and Williams among the nation’s elite is more than just a preseason nod—it’s a recognition of the program’s continued ability to recruit, develop, and elevate top-tier talent.

Germie Bernard, a transfer from Michigan State who quickly adapted to the pace and expectations of Alabama football, enters the 2025 campaign as one of the team’s most seasoned and explosive offensive weapons. Known for his crisp route running, strong hands, and field awareness, Bernard became a go-to target last season and earned the trust of the quarterback early in his tenure. His presence on the field often creates mismatches against opposing secondaries, and his ability to stretch the field vertically complements Alabama’s aggressive offensive scheme.

Ryan Williams, on the other hand, represents the future—and perhaps the present—of Alabama football. As a highly-touted true freshman, his inclusion on the Biletnikoff list speaks volumes about his talent and the expectations placed upon him. Williams was a recruiting sensation, a five-star prospect who had offers from virtually every major program in the country. His decision to join Alabama was seen as a significant recruiting win, and he has already begun turning heads in fall camp with his speed, footwork, and football IQ. Despite his youth, Williams possesses the poise and polish of a much more experienced player, and he is poised to make an immediate impact.

The dual recognition of Bernard and Williams serves as a reminder of Alabama’s lineage of wide receiver excellence. The Crimson Tide has produced three previous Biletnikoff Award winners, with the most recent being DeVonta Smith in 2020. Smith’s remarkable season, which also saw him win the Heisman Trophy, is etched in the memory of every college football fan. His performance set a new benchmark for what a wide receiver could achieve and raised the profile of Alabama’s receiver development program to unprecedented heights. Before Smith, Jerry Jeudy claimed the award in 2018 with a similarly dazzling season that featured explosive plays, consistent production, and highlight-reel moments. The lineage begins with Amari Cooper, who was Alabama’s first Biletnikoff winner in 2014. Cooper’s smooth route running and game-breaking ability laid the foundation for what has become a wide receiver legacy in Tuscaloosa.

This year, with Bernard and Williams leading the charge, the Crimson Tide is hoping to add a fourth Biletnikoff trophy to its collection. The presence of two players on the watch list doesn’t just indicate individual talent—it’s also a reflection of Alabama’s offensive philosophy and the effectiveness of its coaching staff. Under the direction of new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, Alabama is expected to maintain a balanced yet dynamic attack that gives its top playmakers opportunities to shine. Grubb, known for his creativity and adaptability, inherits an offense loaded with potential and will look to maximize the unique skill sets of both Bernard and Williams.

In today’s college football landscape, wide receivers are more important than ever. With spread offenses becoming the norm and passing attacks growing increasingly sophisticated, elite pass-catchers can tilt the outcome of games. Bernard and Williams each bring something different to the field—Bernard offers experience, reliability, and savvy route running, while Williams brings raw speed, explosive agility, and a playmaking instinct that’s hard to teach. Together, they form a duo that could be among the most dangerous in the nation, and defenses around the SEC are already taking notice.

The Biletnikoff Award Watch List often serves as an early indicator of which receivers are primed for breakout seasons. While being named to the list is an honor in itself, it also places a spotlight on the players and the expectations surrounding them. For Bernard, it’s a chance to build on his solid performances and solidify his reputation as one of the top receivers in the SEC. For Williams, it’s an opportunity to introduce himself to the college football world on a grand stage. Both players know the legacy they are stepping into, and both appear eager to carve out their own place in Alabama’s storied history.

Alabama fans, always passionate and deeply invested in the program’s success, are understandably excited about what this means for the upcoming season. With a new quarterback under center and a retooled offensive strategy, the 2025 Crimson Tide offense will be under the microscope. Having two receivers of Bernard and Williams’ caliber provides a safety net for the new signal-caller and gives Alabama a legitimate chance to maintain its explosive play potential. It also gives Grubb flexibility in his play-calling, knowing that he can trust either receiver to make a play in a crucial moment.

Off the field, the recognition from the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation is also a testament to the hard work these athletes put in during the offseason. Training sessions, film study, and constant refinement of technique are all part of the grind that leads to accolades like this. Bernard’s veteran approach and Williams’ relentless drive to live up to his recruiting hype are evidence of their commitment to excellence. They understand that while being on the watch list is meaningful, it’s only the beginning. The real challenge lies in sustaining high-level performance throughout the grueling SEC schedule and delivering when it matters most.

As the season approaches, the storylines surrounding Alabama’s offense will continue to develop, but the presence of Bernard and Williams at the forefront of those discussions adds excitement and credibility. The Biletnikoff Award Watch List will be narrowed down as the season progresses, eventually leading to semifinalists, finalists, and ultimately the winner. If Bernard and Williams continue on their current trajectory, there’s every reason to believe one—or both—could be in the running deep into the season.

For Nick Saban’s successor, the continued emergence of wide receiver talent at Alabama is a testament to the enduring culture of excellence established in Tuscaloosa. Bernard and Williams are the latest to carry the torch, and they do so with the backing of a fan base that understands what greatness looks like at the wide receiver position. They follow in the footsteps of legends, but they also have the chance to blaze their own trail and leave their own mark on the program.

As practice intensifies and game day draws closer, all eyes will be on how these two stars perform. Will Bernard’s experience and consistency make him the go-to option in clutch situations? Will Williams’ explosive athleticism translate into game-changing plays right out of the gate? Those are questions that will be answered over the course of the season, but for now, being named to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List is a strong indicator that Alabama’s receiving corps is once again among the best in the nation.

In a sport where individual brilliance can elevate an entire team, Bernard and Williams are positioned to be difference-makers. The road to the Biletnikoff is long, competitive, and filled with worthy challengers from every conference, but the Alabama duo has both the talent and the opportunity to contend for the award. More importantly, they have the drive and the mindset to live up to the lofty standards set by those who came before them.

The 2025 season is shaping up to be another thrilling chapter in Alabama football history. With Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams earning national recognition before the first snap has even been played, the stage is set for something special. Whether it ends with another Biletnikoff trophy or not, the journey these two receivers are about to embark upon will undoubtedly be one worth watching—for fans in Tuscaloosa and across the college football world.