Ryan Williams is not going anyplace — at the least not proper now.
Forward of No. 9 Alabama’s Faculty Soccer Playoff quarterfinal in opposition to No. 1 Indiana on the Rose Bowl on Thursday at 4 p.m. ET, the Crimson Tide huge receiver mentioned Tuesday he plans to return to Tuscaloosa and won’t enter the switch portal. The choice reaffirms his dedication as his on-field manufacturing — and nationwide standing — have taken a noticeable step again.
“After all,” Williams advised AL.com when requested if he’d be again at Alabama for his junior season in 2026. “I am Alabama via and thru. I’ve no intentions of being anyplace else.”
In an period when high-profile gamers routinely discover choices after uneven seasons, Williams’ stance is notable. Sources advised CBS Sports activities there was considerably extra smoke final yr round the potential for Williams transferring after his phenomenal true freshman season. This winter, there was no comparable behind-the-scenes buzz — not the type usually related to gamers reassessing worth, function or alternative within the portal.
Williams saying he’ll stand pat comes at a second when the dialog round him has shifted sharply.
As a 17-year-old freshman in 2024, Williams burst onto the scene with 865 yards and eight touchdowns on 48 receptions. Over Alabama’s first 5 video games, he caught 19 passes for 544 yards and 6 touchdowns, together with a six-catch, 177-yard efficiency in opposition to Georgia that immediately positioned him among the many sport’s breakout stars.
Since then, consistency — significantly on the catch level — has been elusive. Williams’ 12.7% drop fee ranked Forty seventh-worst amongst 347 FBS huge receivers with at the least 40 targets final season, based on Professional Soccer Focus. Over the ultimate eight video games of 2024, his manufacturing dipped sharply as defenses adjusted and alternatives narrowed.
In 2025, Williams has 636 yards and 4 touchdowns on 43 receptions, down from his freshman totals regardless of an analogous workload. His 18.9% drop fee ranks fourth-worst amongst 352 qualifying FBS receivers, per PFF — a stark distinction for a participant as soon as seen as a future point of interest of Alabama’s offense.
Ryan Williams receiving stats
|
2025 |
13 |
69 |
43 |
636 |
4 |
18.9% |
|
2024 |
13 |
87 |
48 |
865 |
8 |
12.7% |
Williams has acknowledged the frustration with out deflecting duty.
“It isn’t at all times going to be sunshine and rainbows,” Williams advised AL.com. “So whether or not you name it a ‘sophomore hunch’ or no matter you name it, I do know who I’m and I do know when the time is true my efficiency might be what’s greatest for the crew.”
Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer has remained publicly supportive, focusing much less on manufacturing and extra on course of.
“He had such an enormous yr final yr as a freshman,” DeBoer mentioned Tuesday. “I do know you possibly can at all times have extra, however there’s simply been a continuous stage of labor that he places in. His angle, individuals can at all times say stuff, however you do not know. Once you’re there with him, and also you see the smile, the work, the team-first angle that he has, you possibly can’t assist however root for him.”
DeBoer acknowledged the uneven manufacturing however emphasised endurance — and perception.
“He’ll have a recreation like he is had at completely different occasions the place he goes off, and I am simply ready for that second as a result of when it’s, it may be superior,” DeBoer mentioned. “And we’re all going to be tremendous pleased for him. And I do know it is coming before later.”
Williams, a five-star prospect from Saraland (Alabama) ranked because the No. 3 huge receiver and No. 8 general recruit within the 2024 class. He additionally reclassified, which means below a standard timeline he would solely now be in his freshman season. As a substitute, his early explosion reset expectations virtually in a single day.
As Alabama prepares for Indiana on school soccer’s greatest postseason stage, Williams stays a part of the plan. For now, staying put seems to be the clearest path ahead, whilst the usual he set early continues to loom.
