Will McLelland-Imagn Images

Rising Speculation Surrounds Ryan Williams' Future at Alabama Amid Transfer Portal Exodus

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Dec 17, 2024 12:07 AM ET

There appears to be something in the waters down in Tuscaloosa, and it doesn't seem to be a good thing for fans of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Over the past few days, some of the best young players on the Alabama roster — and in the nation — have announced that they will be entering the transfer portal this offseason and looking for a new team.

The exodus so far has been as follows:

Former 5-star RB Justice Hayes
Former 5-star CB Jaylen Mbakwe
Former 4-star DL Jeheim Oatis
Former 4-star QB Dylan Lonergan
Former 4-star WR Kendrick Law
Former 4-star WR Caleb Odom
Former 4-star OT Miles McVay

All of these outgoing transfer from the program are raising pretty serious questions about the culture that first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer is setting in Tuscaloosa, and potential problems behind the scenes.

The exodus also has many wonder if a bigger shoe might still be left to drop.

A shoe by the name of Ryan Williams.

When it comes to true freshmen playmakers, there are few who are even in the same league as Williams, who racked up 857 yards and 10 total touchdowns as a 17 year old for the Crimson Tide this year. The former 5-star recruit who was rated as the No. 4 player in the 2024 class is considered one of the best young players in the game, and his future is as bright as anyone in all of college football.

If Alabama is losing other talented young players to the portal, might Williams be next? That's been the popular question on social media.

Ryan Williams showing up to the WR room tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/RxbRKg9PxI
— GamecockRetweeter (@bradsales312) December 16, 2024

Ryan Williams’ IG Story as of six minutes ago: pic.twitter.com/zc6UgvqCAN
— Sidelines - Bama (@SSN_Alabama) December 17, 2024

Will Ryan Williams be the first 17 year old to transfer? pic.twitter.com/mhIip9ueeP
— ℍ⚡️ (@HamDawg115) December 17, 2024

At this point as long as Ryan Williams and Keon Keeley don’t leave,

I’m happy. pic.twitter.com/WWtc3hmSuW
— Squidward_Tha_Goat (@SquidwardsWrld) December 17, 2024

Things are about to get really interesting in Tuscaloosa. There’s word that Ryan Williams may be transferring from Alabama. Following his best friend Jaylen Mbakwe to the transfer portal. College athletics is strictly a business now schools tamper and the kids are enticed by it.
— Brandon Pipkin (@pipkin_brandon) December 16, 2024

While the Crimson Tide were able to sign the No. 2 recruiting class in the nation for the 2025 cycle, the amount of talent that has left the program over the last week is shocking, and a terrible look for DeBoer and his coaching staff.

If Williams decides to leave as well, then there will likely be a lot of Crimson Tide fans questioning the hiring of DeBoer to replace Nick Saban.

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

More must-reads: