Georgia’s secondary knows what’s coming. After all, they’ve seen Ryan Williams up close before. The explosive Alabama wideout, a freshman phenom who has already earned national attention, gave the Bulldogs’ defensive backs all they could handle in their first meeting. Now, with a rematch on the horizon, the message inside Georgia’s locker room is clear: raise the standard.
The Bulldogs’ defensive backfield has been one of the most scrutinized units on Kirby Smart’s roster this season. Despite Georgia’s reputation as a defensive powerhouse, opposing quarterbacks have found ways to test their corners and safeties more than in years past. That reality has made practice sessions sharper, meetings more detailed, and competition among the DBs even fiercer. Senior safety Malaki Starks put it bluntly earlier this week: “We’ve got to challenge ourselves before anyone else can challenge us. If we don’t push each other every rep, Ryan Williams will make you pay.”
Williams is no ordinary receiver. His speed off the line, fluid route-running, and ability to adjust to deep balls make him a constant mismatch. Georgia learned that firsthand when he torched them for multiple big plays in their last clash. This time, however, defensive backs coach Fran Brown is emphasizing technique and discipline over sheer athleticism. “You can’t win this battle by trying to out-athlete him,” Brown said. “You have to play smart football—leverage, angles, eyes in the right place.”
The rematch also comes at a critical juncture in Georgia’s season. With championship aspirations still alive, a strong defensive showing against one of the country’s best young receivers would send a message to the rest of the SEC. Players like cornerback Daylen Everette and Nyland Green are expected to be tested early and often, and they know the spotlight is on them.
What stands out most is the Bulldogs’ determination to frame this challenge as an opportunity rather than a burden. “We want guys like Ryan Williams,” Starks added. “If you call yourself elite, you have to prove it against the elite.” That mindset has echoed across practices in Athens, where one-on-one drills have turned into battles that feel like game day.
When Saturday arrives, all eyes will be on whether Georgia’s secondary can back up its words. For a unit intent on proving itself, there may be no better proving ground than a rematch with Ryan Williams.