After redshirting his first year at Alabama in 2016, Williams played in all 14 games as a redshirt freshman in 2017, recording 20 tackles and two sacks. He had two tackles in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship victory over Georgia. Williams was named the starting nose guard prior to Alabama's 2018 season opener against Louisville. He accounted for six total tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss in the game and was named SEC Co-Defensive Line player of the week. In a shutout win against LSU on November 3, Williams had 10 total tackles, 3.5 for loss, and 2.5 sacks, and was named Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week and SEC Defensive Player of the Week. After his redshirt sophomore season, Williams was named a unanimous first-team All-American and first-team All-SEC. He was awarded the Outland Trophy as the nation's best interior lineman. His 20 tackles for loss were tied for second in the SEC, and his eight sacks were tied for fifth in the conference. On January 11, 2019, Williams announced that he would forgo his remaining two years of eligibility and enter the 2019 NFL Draft.
College statistics
Professional career
Williams was drafted by the New York Jets with the third overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. On July 25, 2019, Williams agreed to a four-year deal with the Jets worth $32.5 million featuring a $21.6 million signing bonus and a fifth year option. in a game against the Washington Redskins On August 26, 2019, Williams was fined $21,056 for a late hit onMatt Schaub in the second preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons. Williams played his first regular season game on September 8, 2019 against the Buffalo Bills, but did not record a stat, and left the game in the third quarter due to an ankle injury. In Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins, Williams recorded his first career sack on Ryan Fitzpatrick in the 26–18 loss. In Week 10 against the New York Giants, Williams recorded his first career fumble recovery, securing a football lost by Golden Tate on the final play of the game in the Jets' 34–27 victory. In Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Williams recorded his second sack of the season in the Jets' 16–10 win, though this would be his final tackle of the season. Overall, Williams would finish his rookie season with 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 1 fumble recovery in his 13 games played. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, Williams donated healthy meals to medical professionals on the front lines in New Jersey. Williams also helped give away over 10,000 boxes of fruits and vegetables for those in need at Historic Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. This event was held by Former University of Alabama football player Chris Rogers, who created the nonprofit organization TAP - Together Assisting People.
