CJ Williams (25) looks to make a play during a match for Boston College in 2024. Image Courtesy of Boston College Athletics.
PAWTUCKET, RI– Rhode Island FC have signed free agent defender CJ Williams for the 2026 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval.
CJ Williams (25) looks to make a play during a match for Boston College in 2024. Image Courtesy of Boston College Athletics.
CJ Williams is a 22-year-old, 6’2, 183lb defender from Valley Stream, New York.
Before college, Williams was a member of the NYCFC Academy, New York Red Bulls Academy, & Met Oval. He also was a middle-distance track runner in high school. Williams, 22, signs with Rhode Island FC New England after a 4-year collegiate career at Boston College (2022-2025).
During his collegiate career, Williams made 55 appearances (53 starts, 4,332 minutes) from 2022-2025.
In total career numbers, the left-footed defender registered 2 goals and 1 assist with 12 yellow cards and 2 red cards.
In the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, the New England Revolution had selected Williams in the third round (65th overall).
After not making the initial New England Revolution roster, CJ Williams elected to return to Boston College for his senior season. He made 16 appearances (15 starts) where he had 1 goal & 1 assist.
According to Josh Nye of The Blazing Musket, Williams spent a portion of the 2026 preseason trialing with New England Revolution II.
He now joins Rhode Island as his first official club.
RIFC Logo. Image Courtesy of Rhode Island FC.
RIFC head coach Khano Smith will look to make improvements to his squad ahead of the 2026 season with Rhode Island FC. For more USL Championship content, you can find it on ESPN+
(Editor’s Note: For more of Burt Granofsky’s photos, click on the link)
Rhode Island FC
March, 2026
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