Alabama loses five-star recruit after Saban retirement news

General view of an Alabama Crimson Tide helmet. Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama loses five-star recruit after Nick Saban retirement news

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated 1/10/24

Alabama football is already feeling the aftereffects of head coach Nick Saban’s exit. One of Saban’s top recruits for next season isn’t planning to stay in Tuscaloosa.

Five-star wide receiver Ryan Williams has decommitted from the program, according to ESPN reporter Tom VanHaaren. Williams had been committed to Alabama for over a year but had yet to sign a letter of intent.

Texas, Auburn and Texas A&M are the schools reportedly in the running to land Williams, who has a visit to College Station scheduled for this weekend.

Five-star WR Ryan Williams tells me he will visit Texas A&M this weekend. Texas and Auburn are also in it, a visit to Alabama is still a possibility, but he doesn't know if that will happen yet. #Aggies #Longhorns #WDE

— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) January 10, 2024

Williams’ decision was also influenced by the departure of ex-Alabama wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins. Saban’s former assistant left earlier this month to become the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Texas A&M.

BREAKING: Five-Star Plus+ WR Ryan Williams tells me he has Decommitted from Alabama

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The Departure of Coach Saban & Wiggins played a major factor in his decision, Williams saidhttps://t.co/xI19QG2kaY pic.twitter.com/KQdMZBfCEd

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 10, 2024

Williams is currently ranked by 247 Sports as the 10th-best overall prospect in the nation and the third-best wide receiver. The 6-foot wideout went to high school in Saraland, Ala. and originally planned to continue his football journey at home before the news of Saban’s retirement.

Saban and Williams had actually discussed the possibility of the 72-year-old coach’s retirement. The longtime Alabama coach sent a much different message to Williams about retirement in June.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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