Ryan Williams, Alabama’s upcoming sophomore wide receiver, has emerged as a notable talent, receiving comparisons to former Crimson Tide great Amari Cooper. Despite the program’s worst season in years, Williams outperformed expectations as a freshman.
But one analyst believes that to get more out of Williams, ‘Bama will have to add more talent around him.
The Importance of Supporting Ryan Williams With Elite Talent
Williams recorded 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns, leading the team in both yards and receiving scores. Kalen DeBoer’s first year as Alabama’s head coach was disappointing to many fans, but the team will try to return to former glory in 2025. For this to happen, Williams will need to be a significant part of the offense.
In the first seven games of 2024, Alabama’s offense mainly depended on quarterback Jalen Milroe’s play and his ability to get the ball to Williams.
This approach changed in week eight versus Missouri when seven different players caught passes, and an equal number rushed the ball, signaling a transition towards a more inclusive offensive strategy. Analysts believe that a wider range of playmakers must be involved for ‘Bama to achieve long-term success.
On Thursday, ESPN college football analyst Cole Cubelic joined “Beat Everyone: An AL.com Alabama Football Podcast” to discuss the Crimson Tide and what they need to do to “win it all” next season.
Toward the end of the episode, they began to talk about Williams and what the Crimson Tide should do next season. He noted that, while Williams is superb, he believes Alabama should have more than one top wide receiver. He was particularly asked which position they needed to sort out for next season.
“I’m gonna probably go—honestly—wide receiver opposite Ryan Williams,” Cubelic explained. “I think Ryan Williams is amazing. I think he’s kind of forgotten about going into this offseason. I would have him as a top-five player returning in all of college football. We know he can be special, but honestly, you can’t win with one [receiver] anymore.”
Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is regarded as the best returning receiver in the country, but there is an argument that Williams is the second-best returning receiver.
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It will be fascinating to see how Williams performs with a new quarterback. Milroe is set to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, so Austin Mack, Keelon Russell, and Ty Simpson will compete for the starting quarterback job.
By expanding the offensive playbook and passing on the ball impartially, Alabama can maximize the potential of its present team and make a run in the College Football Playoff.
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