The \$200K Tuition Drama: 5 Shocking Facts About Rick Ross's Son, William Roberts III (Lil Will)

William Roberts III, famously known as "Lil Will," is quickly carving out his own path outside the shadow of his legendary father, rap mogul Rick Ross. As of late 2024, the young Roberts is making headlines not just for his athletic prowess as a college football player, but also for the very public and dramatic financial disputes between his parents, Rick Ross and Tia Kemp, over his college tuition.

This article dives deep into the life of the Maybach Music heir, from his burgeoning football career at a historic HBCU to his early start as a Wingstop franchise owner, providing the most current and essential details on the young boss's journey and the ongoing family controversy that has captured public attention.

William Roberts III: Complete Biographical Profile

William Roberts III is the eldest son of the hip-hop titan Rick Ross (William Leonard Roberts II). His life has been a blend of luxury, high-profile family dynamics, and a dedicated pursuit of collegiate sports. His recent commitment to an HBCU and the ensuing tuition drama have placed him firmly in the spotlight.

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• Full Name: William Leonard Roberts III (often referred to as Will or Lil Will).
• Date of Birth: 2005 (Exact date not widely publicized, but celebrated his 16th birthday in 2021).
• Age (as of late 2024): Approximately 19 years old.
• Father: William Leonard Roberts II (Rick Ross), founder of Maybach Music Group.
• Mother: Tia Kemp (Tiallondra Kemp), known for her public disputes with Rick Ross.
• Siblings: Toie Roberts (half-sister), Berkeley Roberts (half-sister), Billion Roberts (half-brother), Bliss Roberts (half-sister).
• Hometown: Miami, Florida.
• High School: St. Thomas Aquinas High School, a nationally recognized football powerhouse.
• College: Bethune-Cookman University (HBCU) in Daytona Beach, Florida.
• Athletic Career: College Football Player (Tight End/Offensive Lineman) for the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.
• Business Venture: Owner of a Wingstop franchise location (Gifted on his 16th birthday).

The HBCU Football Commitment and On-Field Ambition

While many expected the son of a millionaire rapper to follow a path into the music or entertainment industry, William Roberts III chose a different, highly disciplined route: college football. His dedication to the sport has been a central focus of his young adult life.

Roberts III was a standout player at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, a program known for producing elite NFL talent.

A Strategic Move to Bethune-Cookman University

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In early 2024, Will announced his commitment to play football for Bethune-Cookman University, a prominent Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Daytona Beach, Florida.

This decision was highly significant, as it aligned him with the growing trend of top athletes choosing HBCUs, often championed by figures like Deion Sanders. His commitment was celebrated by the HBCU community and was a proud moment for both his parents, despite their ongoing personal conflicts.

Roberts III is listed on the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats roster as a Redshirt Freshman. His primary position is listed as Tight End (TE), though he was also recruited as an Offensive Lineman (OL).

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His impressive size—standing 6'2" and weighing 220 lbs—makes him a formidable presence on the field, hinting at a potential future in professional football.

From High School to High-Level Business: The Wingstop Boss

Long before his college commitment, William Roberts III was initiated into the world of entrepreneurship by his father. Rick Ross, a major franchisee of the popular chicken wing chain Wingstop, ensured his son understood the importance of generational wealth and business ownership.

The 16th Birthday Gift That Made Headlines

For his 16th birthday, Rick Ross gifted William his very own Wingstop franchise location. This move was a deliberate lesson in financial literacy and business management, positioning William as "officially a BOSS" at a surprisingly young age.

This early exposure to the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry provided Will with practical experience in operations, marketing, and profit-and-loss management, skills that are invaluable regardless of his eventual career path.

Ross has been vocal about his desire to pass on his business acumen, believing that true wealth comes from ownership and assets, not just music royalties. The Wingstop venture is a clear demonstration of this philosophy in action.

The \$200,000 Tuition Battle: Tia Kemp vs. Rick Ross

The most recent and attention-grabbing news surrounding William Roberts III involves the very public financial dispute between his parents over his college education. This drama unfolded publicly throughout 2024, drawing significant media coverage.

The Mother's Public Demand

William's mother, Tia Kemp, took to social media to demand that Rick Ross pay a staggering \$200,000 to cover their son's college tuition and related expenses for his HBCU football career.

Kemp expressed frustration, stating she was tired of receiving smaller, intermittent payments and insisted that Ross, given his immense wealth and public persona, should fully cover the substantial cost of a private HBCU education for a student-athlete.

The total amount demanded—over \$200,000—is meant to cover not just tuition, but also the costs associated with a high-level college football player, including fees, books, and other living expenses.

A Complex Financial and Family Dynamic

This public fallout highlights the complex co-parenting relationship between Ross and Kemp, which has been volatile for years. While the drama is focused on the parents, William Roberts III is the ultimate beneficiary—and the subject—of the high-stakes financial negotiation.

The situation has generated massive curiosity online, with fans and critics debating the responsibility of wealthy parents to fund their adult children's education, especially when one parent is a self-proclaimed 'Boss' with extensive business holdings like Maybach Music Group and multiple Wingstop franchises.

The Future is Bright for William Roberts III

Despite the family turmoil playing out in the public eye, William Roberts III is on a solid trajectory. He is balancing the demanding life of a college athlete with the responsibilities of a young entrepreneur. His commitment to Bethune-Cookman not only provides him with a quality education but also a platform to pursue his dream of professional football.

Whether he ultimately makes it to the NFL or expands his Wingstop empire into a business conglomerate, William Roberts III has already demonstrated the ambition and drive necessary to succeed. The world is watching to see if he can truly become the next generation's "Boss" in his own right, separate from the legacy of Rick Ross.