Alabama Star WR Ryan Williams Makes Definitive Statement on Future With Program

Despite a turbulent 2025 season, Williams says he's returning to Alabama in 2026.
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams is returning to the program in 2026.
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams is returning to the program in 2026. / Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
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Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams is returning to the program in 2026 and will not enter the transfer portal, he told reporters on Tuesday.

When asked if he would return next season, Williams was quick to respond.

"Of course. I'm Alabama through and through. I have no intentions of being anywhere else," he said, per Crimson Tide beat reporter Nick Kelly.

When asked specifically if he would enter the transfer portal, Williams responded, "Nah."

Williams, who was a blue chip recruit out of high school, has had a turbulent sophomore season where he has struggled with drops. Through the first-round of the College Football Playoff, Williams has 13 drops on the season and 17 total across his two college seasons. Only two FBS receivers have more drops dating back to 2024, according to Bama247's Mike Rodak— Hawaii's Pofele Ashlock and Arkansas State's Corey Rucker.

Williams has caught 43 passes for 636 yards and four touchdowns so far this season in 13 games. In the same number of games a season ago, he caught 48 balls for 865 yards and eight scores.

There's no doubt that Williams is one of the best receivers in the sport when he isn't struggling holding on to the football, with few exhibiting his play making ability after the catch. Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide will be betting on him the rest of their CFP run, and will be pleased to have him back in 2026.


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Mike McDaniel
MIKE MCDANIEL

Mike McDaniel is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated, where he has worked since January 2022. His work has been featured at InsideTheACC.com, SB Nation, FanSided and more. McDaniel hosts the Hokie Hangover Podcast, covering Virginia Tech athletics, as well as Basketball Conference: The ACC Football Podcast. Outside of work, he is a husband and father, and an avid golfer.