When Nick Saban announced his retirement on Jan. 10, it didn’t take long for 2024 No. 3 ranked wide receiver commit Ryan Williams to step back and explore other options.
However, when the Crimson Tide scored National Championship runner-up head coach Kalen DeBoer just two days later, Williams had a change of heart. On Jan. 24, Williams recommitted to Alabama.
Williams reportedly visited Texas A&M before returning to Tuscaloosa, where DeBoer recruited him back to the program. Considering the Tide lost 2023 receptions leader Isaiah Bond to Texas, Williams will be a huge addition to the team.
Bond wasn’t the only player to enter the transfer portal, though. Alabama additionally lost 2024 five-star quarterback Julian Sayin, SEC Newcomer of the Year safety Caleb Downs, cornerback Dezz Ricks and more.
Crimson Tide junior defensive back DeVonta Smith was critical of players who instantly left following Saban’s retirement.
“Any of these cats that are thinking about leaving need to meet with [DeBoer] immediately, and if they still want to leave then they are idiots, and we don’t need them,” Smith said, according to Bama Recruiting 247.
While the Williams commitment news represents a massive win for DeBoer, the former Huskies coach also brought along some recruits from his old stomping ground. Former four-star recruit and now-former Washington quarterback Austin Mack followed his former coach to the South, among other former Huskies.
While it’s a near-impossible task to fill Saban’s shoes, acquiring Williams is his first major win as head coach of the Crimson Tide, especially in college football’s NIL and open-portal era. DeBoer’s CFP pedigree is to thank for the signing.
Stay on the lookout for transfer and commitment news as many transfer prospects still remain unsigned.