Week 1 typically calls for overreactions all over the college football world, but should Alabama fans be concerned with Ryan Coleman-Williams’ drop problems to begin the season?
In Saturday’s matchup against East Carolina University, Alabama’s new starter Keelon Russell looked to hook up with Coleman-Williams several times in the first quarter. Still, the two could not find any connection.
Still, Russell would target Coleman-Williams throughout the first quarter, delivering excellently placed passes, but, as in 2025, the Crimson Tide’s star receiver continues to have trouble catching the football.
College Football World Rips Ryan Coleman-Williams for Drop
“The year is 2026 and Ryan Williams still cannot catch the football on a wide open pass. (Without receiving gloves) I’ve never seen so much talent go to waste because someone can’t do the basics,” wrote an X user immediately following Coleman-Williams first drop.
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“Ryan Williams with another costly drop, but this time in a new season,” stated one college football fan.
“Comes a point we stop mocking Alabama WR Ryan Coleman-Williams Top 50 if his hands are like a blacksmith,” exclaimed NFL Draft fanatic Clint Goss.
Popular college football analyst Max Chadwick wrote, “Drops continue to be an issue for Ryan Coleman-Williams. Uber-talented player but needs to clean this up. Was a huge problem last year.”
Drops continue to be an issue for Ryan Coleman-Williams.
Uber-talented player but needs to clean this up. Was a huge problem last year. pic.twitter.com/a8MhzAl1p9
— Max Chadwick (@CFBMaxChadwick) September 5, 2026
PFN analyst Ian Cummings offered insight on Coleman-Williams’ drop problem: “I don’t think Ryan Coleman-Williams has to jump for this ball. The jump disrupts the reaction and lets the ball into his frame,” said Cummings. “Guys can work on this; Garrett Wilson did. But tracking and catching still appears to be an issue for RCW.”
I don’t think Ryan Coleman-Williams has to jump for this ball. The jump disrupts the reaction and lets the ball into his frame.
Guys can work on this; Garrett Wilson did. But tracking and catching still appears to be an issue for RCW. pic.twitter.com/GP2dUTq7aE
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) September 5, 2026
“Ryan Williams… we’ll never forget 2024,” added Barstool’s Liam Blutman.
“Ryan Coleman-Williams, who had a major drops problem last year for Bama, drops an open pass against ECU. Also not wearing gloves today.” said The Athletic’s Chris Vannini.
Ryan Coleman-Williams, who had a major drops problem last year for Bama, drops an open pass against ECU. Also not wearing gloves today.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) September 5, 2026
Whether or not Coleman-Williams returns to using gloves remains to be seen.
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Still, after a few costly drops to begin what should be his last college year, perhaps the Crimson Tide receiver rethinks his statement from earlier this week, where he exclaimed he’d not be using any gloves for the entire season.
