Five-Star Plus+ WR Ryan Williams visiting Texas A&M this weekend

After backing off his longtime commitment to Alabama, Five-Star Plus+ wide receiver Ryan Williams will take his first official visit as an uncommitted recruit this weekend.

The No. 12 overall prospect in the 2024 class is headed to Texas A&M, where he’ll reconnect with new Aggies wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins, who was his primary recruiter at Alabama.

Williams had been committed to the Crimson Tide for more than a year and announced his reclassification into 2024 last month. Alabama and Auburn were considered the two co-favorites to sign him.

But after the news of head coach Nick Saban’s departure, Williams decommitted and things have shifted significantly, sources told On3’s Chad Simmons.

Two schools standing out right now

Auburn, which has been pushing to flip him for nearly a year, remains as one of his top two schools. Even prior to Saban announcing his retirement, one source put the odds at 50/50 whether Williams would sign with the Crimson Tide or Tigers.

The second team in that group is Texas. He has a connection to 2025 quarterback commit KJ Lacey, his high school teammate. And the Longhorns’ available playing time at the receiver spot with Xavier Worthy and AD Mitchell leaving for the NFL is very appealing. Both of those schools will get official visits before he makes his final decision.

Right now, the Crimson Tide have fallen behind both the Tigers and Longhorns, and it would be a major surprise to see him sign there no matter who is hired to replace Saban, a source said.

While Wiggins was recently hired by the Aggies, sources say it would be a major surprise to see Williams end up in College Station, despite their strong relationship.

Ryan Williams Scouting Summary

“The most productive and athletic wide receiver in high school football as a sophomore. Turned in an utterly dominant season in 2022. Measured around 6-foot, 160 pounds in the spring following his sophomore season. One of the fastest wideouts in the nation, regardless of class. Posted a scintillating 10.49 second 100-meter time early on in his sophomore track season. A legitimate state title contender in four track events – the 100, 200, 400 meters and high jump. Shows the ability to harness his elite speed on the football field. A big-time deep threat who easily runs past defensive backs. Has high-end change of direction and breaks off cornerbacks with agility within his routes.

… Caught 88 passes for 1,641 yards and 24 touchdowns, ran for 700 yards and 15 touchdowns on 57 rushes (12.3 yards per carry), returned two punts for touchdowns and passed for a score while leading his high school to a state title as a sophomore. Was named Alabama’s Gatorade Player of the Year following the historic season. Was the On3 MVP at Under Armour’s Atlanta camp prior to his junior season. Looks like one of the top pass-catchers in high school football regardless of class and is the top wide receiver prospect from Alabama since Henry Ruggs III. Will need to continue adding strength and mass to his slender frame.”