Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams had a stellar breakout season for the Crimson Tide in 2024 and was routinely compared to Ohio State Buckeyes phenom Jeremiah Smith as the best prospect in their class. Last season, Williams had a dip in form characterized by crucial drops in tight games.
Despite a difficult season in Tuscaloosa, Williams opted to return to Alabama next season and will be one of the most senior offensive players on coach Kalen DeBoer’s team.
Former Quarterback Ty Simpson Predicts a Breakout 2026 Season for Ryan Williams
While speaking to reporters after Alabama’s Pro Day on Wednesday, former Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson lavished praise on Williams’ physical transformation and predicted that the wide receiver would have a stellar season in 2026.
“Y’all see him? You see how big he is? He’s gained so much weight,” Simpson said. “He’s grown up. He’s a big guy in the room now. I’m so happy for him and so proud of him because I know how much he loves Alabama football.”
“We talk all the time. He’s like a little brother. He’s going to ball out this year. Y’all can write it down: Ryan’s gonna have a really big year.”
Despite an inconsistent season where he was relegated to a secondary target by Simpson, Williams earned a PFSN College Wide Receiver Impact score of 77.3 after registering 689 receiving yards on 49 catches, resulting in 4 touchdowns for the Crimson Tide.
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Speaking to reporters on March 10 after Alabama’s second spring practice session, coach DeBoer revealed that Williams would assume a new leadership role as one of the team’s senior members.
“He’s taken that on,” DeBoer said. “He’s taken on a leadership role. In order to lead and be vocal like he has, it’s in him. He brings an energy and an enthusiasm that you guys all see. It’s nonstop.”
“It feels like he’s seeing an opportunity, he continues to raise the work, raise the level, and be efficient in it. He’s always worked, I think where he’s focusing that attention is really intentional. It’s great to see his leadership capabilities. Last year, I felt like he took a great step, and now it’s on another level. Our team needs that, our offense needs that.”
Last season, Williams had one of the highest dropped-pass rates in the country (13.0% drop rate), and his production dropped significantly from his breakout season: 865 receiving yards on 48 catches, resulting in 8 touchdowns.
