Ryan Williams’ Role at Alabama Is Slipping - And the Portal Could Be Calling
A year ago, Ryan Williams looked like the next big thing in college football. As a 17-year-old freshman wide receiver at Alabama, he showed flashes of stardom that had fans and scouts alike buzzing. His blend of speed, shiftiness, and raw athleticism made him one of the most exciting young players in the country - the kind of talent that gets mentioned in the same breath as Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith when talking about the future of the position.
But fast forward to the end of his sophomore season, and the conversation around Williams has shifted dramatically.
A Sophomore Slump That Can’t Be Ignored
Williams’ numbers tell a clear story. After a strong freshman campaign with 48 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns, his production dipped across the board this season - 43 receptions, 636 yards, and just four scores.
But the most concerning stat isn’t in the box score. It’s the drops.
Ten drops this year - third most among all FBS receivers. And it’s not just about the quantity; it’s the timing and the consistency.
Williams had another drop Friday night against Oklahoma and finished with just one catch for five yards. For a player once thought to be a future Biletnikoff winner, that’s a steep fall.
The issues aren’t about athleticism. Williams is still one of the most dynamic athletes on the field anytime he lines up.
But the hands haven’t followed. He struggles to track the ball cleanly, often jumping unnecessarily or trying to trap passes against his body rather than snatching them with confidence.
That technique issue has led to a high drop rate - and a shrinking role in Alabama’s offense.
Falling Down the Depth Chart
It’s clear that quarterback Ty Simpson’s trust in Williams has eroded. Against Oklahoma, true freshman Lotzeir Brooks saw seven targets to Williams’ three.
Germie Bernard has locked down the WR1 role with his consistent hands and route running, and Isaiah Horton has emerged as another reliable option for Simpson. Williams, once a centerpiece, is becoming more of a rotational piece.
And that’s a tough spot for a player with Williams’ skill set. He’s the kind of receiver offensive coordinators dream about when designing jet sweeps, screens, and quick-hitting plays - just get the ball in his hands and let him work.
But that only works if you trust he’ll catch the ball. Right now, that trust is fading.
What’s Next - Rose Bowl, 2026, and Beyond
With Alabama preparing for a College Football Playoff semifinal against Indiana in the Rose Bowl, Williams’ role in the offense is uncertain. He’s still a weapon - no doubt about that - but he’s no longer a focal point. And looking ahead to 2026, his future in Tuscaloosa is murky.
The transfer portal window opens January 2 and runs through January 16, with additional opportunities for players from teams still active in the CFP. While it would’ve seemed unthinkable just a few months ago, Williams entering the portal isn’t out of the question anymore. A change of scenery might be exactly what he needs to reset and unlock the full potential that once made him one of the most hyped young receivers in the country.
If he does decide to leave, it could have ripple effects for Alabama. Bernard and Horton are both out of eligibility after this season, so the wide receiver room could quickly become a position of need for head coach Kalen DeBoer and general manager Courtney Morgan. Even if Williams stays, Alabama might still look to the portal or incoming recruits to shore up the group - because right now, it’s hard to pencil him in as a go-to option for 2026.
The Bigger Picture
The transfer portal has become one of the most unpredictable and dramatic elements of the college football calendar, and Williams is shaping up to be one of its most intriguing storylines. Whether he stays or goes, his trajectory is a reminder of how quickly things can change in this sport - and how even the most gifted athletes need more than raw talent to stay at the top.
For now, all eyes are on the Rose Bowl. But come January, Ryan Williams’ next move could be one of the biggest decisions of the offseason.