Alabama doesn’t need ‘perfect’ from drop-prone WR Ryan Williams — but it needs better

Remember when Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams was wowing the college football world?

In 2024, the six-foot, 180-pound wunderkind from Mobile, Alabama, made highlight-reel catches en route to a 48-reception, 865-yard, eight-touchdown freshman season. In the 2025 offseason, he — along with Ohio State star wideout Jeremiah Smith — was featured on the cover of the "EA Sports College Football 26" video game. 

But Williams has followed up that stellar debut with a less-than-impressive 2025, totaling just 43 catches for 636 yards and four touchdown catches. Alarmingly for Alabama, Williams ranks second nationally in drop percentage (14.3 percent) with 10 drops, according to ESPN. He has just one 100-yard receiving game this season and his yards-per-catch figure has slipped from 18 to 14.8 this season.

Ryan Williams is No. 2 receiver for Alabama

Williams is the team’s second-leading receiver behind Germie Bernard (802 yards), but Alabama (11-3) needs more from the sophomore — especially in the Rose Bowl on Thursday in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals against No. 1 Indiana (4 p.m. ET, ESPN). The Hoosiers (13-0) feature the NCAA’s fourth-stingiest defense, allowing just 257.2 yards per game.

Online speculation has surfaced regarding Williams’ future at Alabama. However, he has no interest in entering the transfer portal, which opens Jan. 2. 

“Of course,” Williams said Tuesday at Rose Bowl media day, per AL.com, when asked if he planned to be with the Crimson Tide in 2026. “I’m Alabama through and through. I have no intentions of being anywhere else.” 

Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer: Ryan Williams not 'perfect' in 2025

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer anticipates Williams will break out soon. 

“He’s going to have a game like he’s had at different times where he goes off, and I’m just waiting for that moment because when it is, it’s going to be awesome,” the coach told reporters.

DeBoer also acknowledged Williams' season hasn't been "perfect." 

But Alabama doesn’t need “perfect” from Williams, who will turn 19 on Feb. 9. It certainly needs better — starting with the Rose Bowl against Indiana.