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Alabama Reacts to Ryan Williams News on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 2:05 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide are heading into chapter two of the Kalen DeBoer era, following the retirement of longtime head coach Nick Saban.

As DeBoer prepares for his second season in the SEC, having already gotten a taste of arguably the best conference in college football, preseason awards have been released on several platforms.

The Sporting News recently released its preseason All-Americans, featuring several Alabama stars, including incoming sophomore Ryan Williams.

Williams entered the college football scene last season at 17 years old after reclassifying. Despite the decision to turn the page and skip his senior year, when many would need time to develop, Williams was an instant star.

He was credited for the success during his freshman season as well as expectations for his second season in the latest preseason list.

Williams is listed as a First Team All-American in the Sporting News' preseason poll. Alabama posted the news of Williams and his teammates, showing off the talent they're set to field in 2025.

Sporting News Preseason All-Americans #RollTide pic.twitter.com/60h28ZbnSa
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) August 6, 2025

In his freshman season with the Alabama Crimson Tide, the former five-star prospect posted eight touchdowns and 865 yards on 48 receptions.

Williams served as one of the most explosive players in the SEC and one of the top wide receivers in the nation, along with fellow freshman, Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith.

Other Alabama players listed in the Sporting News' preseason predictions include, Tim Keenan III, Kadyn Proctor and Jaeden Roberts.

The Crimson Tide will begin their season on August 30 against the Florida State Seminoles.

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

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