Five-Star Plus+ WR Ryan Williams recaps Alabama visit, discusses relationships with new staff
Saraland (Ala.) Five-Star Plus+ wide receiver Ryan Williams was initially one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 recruiting cycle. That didn’t change when he reclassified to 2024.
Williams initially committed to Alabama on October 8, 2022, but that didn’t stop schools like in-state rival Auburn from pushing hard to flip him from the Crimson Tide. Following the retirement of legendary head coach Nick Saban this month, Williams decommitted from Alabama.
Yet, the Crimson Tide are still battling at the front of the race before Williams reaches February’s National Signing Day. Williams told AL.com that he couldn’t imagine what he’s gone through in his recruitment.
“Not one bit,” Williams said. “But I knew, I felt like I was a good player, but just the way it went up and how everything has gone is just crazy.”
The latest on Ryan Williams from BamaOnLine.
Williams recaps Alabama visit
Williams was back in Tuscaloosa this past weekend and recapped that visit.
“It was a great visit, starting to build relationships with the new guys, it was a great time with them,” Williams said. “Just excited to see what else they have to tell me between now and February 9th.”
Alabama hired former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer fresh off of a national championship appearance to replace Saban. Williams had the chance to meet DeBoer and new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.
“How down to earth he is, how calm and comfortable with himself he is, just like everybody else says,” Williams said of his observations of DeBoer. “Exactly what you see is what you get.”
As for Grubb:
“Definitely had a strong impression on him,” Williams said. “Just meeting him and he was just telling me how i’d fit into the offense and how easy it’ll be just carrying over what I do now to the next level.”
Despite having decommitted from Alabama, Williams stressed that Alabama was far from out of this race. Getting a chance to meet the new coaching staff eased some concerns and helped keep the Tide at the front of his mind.
“Definitely, I’m not sure there could’ve been much of a better fit,” Williams said. “Just with everybody being at their schools now, I think he was the best fit for Alabama, especially with the system that he’s bringing, for the receiver position, it’ll be a good fit for him.”
2025 LB updates Alabama commitment status.
Texas, Auburn visits on deck
Williams still has visits scheduled for Texas and Auburn. He will be in Austin this weekend before hitting the Plains just before he signs his National Letter of Intent.
“I’m really excited to go to Texas this weekend, just to sit down and talk to Coach Sark and see what he has going on for me in his offense,” Williams said. “Just to get around those older guys — the guys they got out of the portal, just to get around them and see what their expectations is for the season.
“Then for the Auburn visit, just going to touch base again, just continue to sharpen that relationship and really try to finalize my decision before the 9th.”
Father of QB transfer talks Bama, Kalen DeBoer.
Williams was asked if he had already made his decision or if he was leaning to where he wanted to go. The gist — he has no idea.
“I have no clue…I mean I have a clue,” Williams said. “I mean I’m really just enjoying it and hopefully the decision will come sooner rather than later, but yeah it’s still pretty neck-and-neck.
“I think once I come back from this Texas visit I’ll have a better idea with that being the last place that I haven’t been yet, so I think I’ll be closer to that decision.”