Why did Ryan Williams decommit from Alabama? Exploring potential reasons for 17 YO star’s January decision before recommitting to Crimson Tide

Ryan Williams is just 17 and the true freshman is not only the Alabama Crimson Tide's star receiver but one of the best receivers in college football. However, Williams almost wasn't a member of Alabama.

Williams was a five-star recruit and the third-ranked receiver in the Class of 2024. He committed to Alabama in October of 2022. However, in January he decommitted from the Crimson Tide but ultimately decided to commit back to Alabam just two weeks later.

Williams decommitted from Alabama for two weeks due to Nick Saban retiring. The star receiver announced his decommitment after Saban announced his retirement.

"After Coach [Holmon] Wiggins leaving, it was already hard, because it's my position coach," Williams said to ESPN about why he decommitted. "But you can always find another position coach. With Coach Saban leaving, it's like the legacy leaving. That was the cherry on top."

Williams said he was caught off guard by Saban's retirement, so he decided to decommit to keep his options open. During his decommitment, Williams mentioned Texas, Texas A&M, Alabama, and Auburn as options.

"Texas has always been one of my favorites because of [Steve] Sarkisian and his offense and they're a big contender, one of the teams that beat Alabama," Williams said.

"They're definitely one of the schools at the top of the list for me. Of course, Texas A&M with my receivers coach from Alabama going there, and then Auburn."

Ultimately, Williams decided to remain at Alabama. This season, the star receiver has recorded 16 receptions for 462 yards and five touchdowns.

Kalen DeBoer raves about Ryan Williams

Ryan Williams is Alabama's No. 1 receiver. Source: Imagn

Ryan Williams has become the star receiver for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

After Williams had a breakout game against Georgia, including the game-winning touchdown, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer heaped praise on him.

"It says a lot," DeBoer said about Williams and freshman CB Zabien Brown, via Alabama.com.

"Says mentally, that they're well ahead of their time, and they've played enough snaps now, you know, to where there's a belief that not only that they have in themselves, but we all do, and we see it in practice. They earned that stripe down the middle of their helmet today, that's for sure."

Williams has become a breakout player for Alabama this season and is a key reason for the Crimson Tide's success.

Alabama will return to the field on Saturday against Vanderbilt.