Imagine having the speed and power of a Ferrari but being stuck behind slow traffic—unable to really unleash. That’s the situation with Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams right now. The Crimson Tide are adjusting to life after legendary coach Nick Saban, and it’s been rough. New head coach Kalen DeBoer took over and led the team to a 9-4 record—their worst season since 2007. That kind of performance has fans in Tuscaloosa nervous, questioning whether DeBoer can handle the pressure that comes with leading Alabama.
While Alabama’s quarterback situation is still uncertain, one thing is clear—they have an electrifying playmaker in Ryan Williams. He’s fast, skilled, and determined. But there’s been a lack of momentum, and now the situation has taken another twist.
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On April 7th, former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy gave Williams major recognition on the Always College Football podcast. While ranking the top wide receivers for 2025, McElroy placed Williams at No. 2—and then revealed something surprising. Williams didn’t join the team early or participate in spring practices last year. Instead, he arrived in June and still managed to quickly catch up, becoming a standout player in just a few months.
That’s remarkable. Most freshmen benefit from spring practices and college-level training programs before the season starts. Williams didn’t have that advantage, yet still excelled. He racked up 865 receiving yards on 48 catches, averaging 18 yards per reception and scoring 10 touchdowns. Against Georgia, he had a breakout game: six receptions for 139 yards and two touchdowns, including a dazzling 75-yard score that shook up the Bulldogs’ defense.
Williams himself wasn’t satisfied with his performance, stating that while others saw it as a good season, he believed he could have done even better. That mindset—driven but humble—has impressed analysts and fans alike.
McElroy also hinted that Alabama’s quarterback play limited Williams’ potential. Specifically, he noted that Jalen Milroe struggled with intermediate and short-range accuracy. A new, more consistent quarterback could help unlock even more from Williams in 2025. The QB competition now includes Ty Simpson, Keelon Russell, and Austin Mack, and whoever wins will have a special weapon in Williams—if they can connect with him consistently.
But there’s a small bump in the road. During Alabama’s spring practice, Coach DeBoer said Williams wasn’t scrimmaging. Not due to a serious injury, but just precautionary rest. He had a few minor issues, so the coaching staff is being careful. Williams is dressed and ready, but they’re choosing to protect him until he’s fully ready. This limits valuable spring reps for the quarterbacks, who need to develop chemistry with their top receiver.
Still, Coach DeBoer is confident. He knows what he has in Ryan Williams—a player who’s already shown what he can do under tough circumstances. So while Williams is temporarily sitting out, expectations are high for when he returns in full during the summer.
The big question remains: can Williams lead Alabama back to dominance? Or is the shadow of the Saban era too big to escape? That’s the challenge facing the Tide—and their new star wideout.