University of Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams, a 19-year-old standout in his second season with the Crimson Tide, announced his engagement to 25-year-old Alexis Hill on Valentine’s Day, sparking a wave of congratulations and controversy on social media.
Williams, who has emerged as one of college football’s top young talents with 1,200 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns this season, proposed to Hill with a diamond ring that she showcased on her Instagram Stories. The couple, who have been dating for over a year, shared photos of the moment, including Hill displaying the ring while embracing Williams.
Hill, who has a child from a previous relationship, captioned one post “My forever valentine,” according to reports from multiple outlets.
Alabama’s 19-year-old star WR Ryan Williams and 25-year-old girlfriend Alexis Hill seem to have announced their engagement online. pic.twitter.com/1jGmoyS8Mg
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) February 17, 2026
The announcement quickly went viral, with NFL insider Dov Kleiman posting on X: “Congrats! Alabama’s 19-year-old star WR Ryan Williams has announced his engagement to 25-year-old girlfriend Alexis Hill. Hill has one child with a different baby daddy. A six year age gap … Congratulations to the happy couple.” The post garnered thousands of views and elicited a range of reactions, highlighting the six-year age difference and Hill’s prior child.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, users expressed mixed sentiments. Some celebrated the news, with one fan writing, “she fine as fuck” alongside a video clip. Others drew parallels to similar high-profile engagements, like that of Colorado’s Travis Hunter. User @OBoyRennieDa1 replied, “They boutta TRAVIS HUNTER his ass to death watch 😂😂😂😂 ‘she using him’, ‘she don’t really love him’, ‘she’s not pretty enough’ watch lol.”
Criticism focused on the age gap, with several users accusing Hill of “grooming” Williams. @JasonReynoldz posted, “G R O O M E D ala travis hunter.” Another, @Marsman__Melvin, wrote, “Oh so she’s been grooming him and she is a pedophile ok.” @YannaVZ added, “Another one groomed lol,” while @lg1016 commented, “she probably was grooming bruh.”
Not all reactions were negative. On Instagram, under a post from College Football U, users defended the couple. One commenter noted, “y’all fr can’t be happy for a guy. football ain’t his complete and total life and that’s a good thing.” Another questioned the backlash: “Ain’t he like 17 … He’s like 19 ain’t he?”
Hill has been a visible supporter at Alabama games, often wearing custom outfits featuring Williams’ No. 2 jersey. She shared game-day photos after a win over Vanderbilt last October, including a postgame hug with Williams. In November, Williams surprised her with roses ahead of the LSU matchup.
Williams, a former five-star recruit from Saraland, Alabama, reclassified to join the Tide early and has been projected as a top NFL draft pick in 2027. Neither Williams nor Hill has publicly addressed the online reactions. The university did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Fans on platforms like TikTok and SEC message boards echoed the divide. A Bleacher Report video congratulated the pair, while a thread on SECRant.com clarified that the child is from Hill’s previous relationship, not Williams’
As Williams prepares for Alabama’s upcoming playoff push, the personal milestone adds another layer to his rising profile in college football.
Flip the pages for some of Alexis Hill’s Thirst Trap photos.
