Ryan Williams’ Role at Alabama Is Shifting - And So Might His Future
At one point not too long ago, Ryan Williams looked like the next big thing in college football. As a 17-year-old freshman, the Alabama wide receiver turned heads with a breakout season that had fans and scouts alike dreaming big. His rare blend of speed, agility, and explosiveness made him a nightmare in the open field - and a legitimate contender to challenge Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith for the title of best receiver in the country.
But fast forward to the end of his sophomore campaign, and the conversation around Williams has changed - dramatically.
A Sophomore Slump That’s Hard to Ignore
Williams’ production took a noticeable dip this season. After putting up 48 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns as a freshman, he followed that with just 43 receptions for 636 yards and four scores.
Drops became a real issue - 10 in total, the third-most by any wide receiver in the nation. And the problems didn’t stop there.
In Alabama’s latest game against Oklahoma, Williams had another drop and finished with just one catch for five yards.
For a player with his athletic gifts, the struggles have been frustrating. Williams is still one of the most electric athletes in the country - his quick-twitch movement and ability to create separation are elite - but the hands just haven’t followed suit.
He’s not a natural pass-catcher. Too often, he misjudges the ball’s trajectory, goes airborne when he doesn’t need to, and tries to trap the ball against his body instead of trusting his hands.
That’s a tough habit to break, and it’s been costing him.
Falling Down the Depth Chart
As the drops have piled up, so has the shift in Alabama’s passing attack. Quarterback Ty Simpson has started to look elsewhere.
Against Oklahoma, true freshman Lotzeir Brooks saw seven targets to Williams’ three. Germie Bernard, a steady, sure-handed presence, has cemented himself as the go-to option.
And Isaiah Horton, who’s steadily earned Simpson’s trust, is now becoming a bigger piece of the offense.
That’s left Williams in a tough spot. Offensive coordinators still love the idea of getting the ball in his hands - he’s the kind of player you want to scheme touches for on jet sweeps, bubble screens, and quick outs. But when there’s a real concern about whether he’ll secure the ball, those creative play calls start to feel like risks rather than opportunities.
And it’s not just about the Rose Bowl matchup against Indiana. The bigger question now is what role Williams will play in 2026 - if he’s still in Tuscaloosa.
Could the Portal Be Calling?
The NCAA’s transfer portal window opens from January 2 to January 16, with additional windows for players on teams eliminated from the College Football Playoff. While nothing is official, and no move has been made, there’s growing buzz that Williams could be a candidate for a change of scenery.
Would it be surprising? A little.
But it’s starting to feel more plausible than it did even a few weeks ago. This is a player who came into the year with Biletnikoff Award buzz - now he’s fighting to stay in the rotation.
Sometimes, a fresh start is what it takes to unlock a player’s full potential. And for someone with Williams’ athletic ceiling, that potential is still sky-high.
If he were to enter the portal during Alabama’s CFP run, things could get complicated. Last year, we saw players like Penn State quarterback Beau Pribula enter the portal during the playoff window, and it’s not out of the question that something similar could unfold here. The updated portal calendar gives players a bit more breathing room, but it hasn’t eliminated the drama.
What It Means for Alabama
Whether Williams stays or goes, Alabama’s wide receiver room is heading into a transitional period. Both Germie Bernard and Isaiah Horton are out of eligibility after this season. If Williams leaves, that’s three key contributors gone - and suddenly, wide receiver becomes a top priority for head coach Kalen DeBoer and general manager Courtney Morgan.
Even if Williams sticks around, the Tide will likely be looking to add another pass-catcher in the portal or through recruiting. His talent is undeniable, but his consistency just hasn’t been there. And in an offense that demands precision and trust, that’s a tough combination to build around.
A Story Still Unfolding
Ryan Williams isn’t done - not by a long shot. His athleticism alone keeps him in the conversation as a player to watch, whether at Alabama or somewhere else. But for now, his role with the Crimson Tide is shrinking, and his future is up in the air.
As the transfer portal window opens and the College Football Playoff plays out, Williams’ next move could become one of the more intriguing storylines in college football.