Alabama star wide receiver Ryan Williams, 19, announces engagement to Alexis Hill, 25, as his breakout season continues

Ryan Williams is only 19, but he just made one of the biggest decisions of his life. The University of Alabama wide receiver shared on Valentine’s Day that he is engaged to Alexis Hill, who is 25 years old and a mother of one.

The news spread fast online. Some fans sent love and kind wishes. Others focused on their six-year age gap and Hill’s child from a past relationship. Williams, who plays for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has been one of the team’s top stars this season. He has 1,200 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in his second year. While fans usually talk about his big catches, this time they were talking about his proposal. Hill posted photos on her Instagram Stories showing a diamond ring and wrote, “My forever valentine.”

The couple hugged and smiled in the pictures.Soon after, NFL insider Dov Kleiman shared the news on X. He wrote, “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.” His post gained thousands of views and sparked debate.

Ryan Williams and Alexis Hill engagement draws mixed reactions as age gap debate spreads online

Some people supported the couple. One fan wrote, “Y’all can’t be happy for a guy. Football is not his whole life and that’s a good thing.” Another added, “He’s like 19, right?” pointing out that Williams is legally an adult.But not everyone felt the same. A few users questioned the age gap. Some even used the word “grooming,” though there has been no proof or claim of wrongdoing from either Williams or Hill. Others compared the situation to Colorado player Travis Hunter, saying fans might react in a similar way.On Instagram, under a post by College Football U, several people defended the pair. They said Williams deserves happiness off the field too.Hill has been seen at Alabama games this past season. She often wears outfits with Williams’ No. 2 jersey. After a win over Vanderbilt in October, she shared photos of them celebrating together. In November, Williams surprised her with roses before the LSU game.Williams, a former five-star recruit from Saraland, Alabama, joined the Crimson Tide early after reclassifying. He is already seen as a possible top NFL Draft pick in 2027. Neither Williams nor Hill has spoken publicly about the online comments. The University of Alabama has not released a statement.For now, Ryan Williams is preparing for Alabama’s playoff push. At the same time, his engagement to Alexis Hill has become one of the most talked-about stories in college football.