Alabama Loses Five-Star Commit Just Hours After Nick Saban’s Sudden Retirement

The dominoes are beginning to fall in the wake of Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban’s retirement, with the program set to lose a key recruit in the Class of 2024.

Five-star receiver Ryan Williams announced his decision on Wednesday to de-commit from Alabama due to Saban and receivers coach Holman Wiggins’s decisions to walk away, according to multiple reports. Williams, who committed to the Tide on Oct. 8, 2022, shared a statement confirming he intends to re-evaluate his college plans and commit to a new school by his 17th birthday on Feb. 9.

“It’s about the departure of coach Saban and the receivers coach [Holmon Wiggins],” Williams told AL.com. “Of course, it’s a hard decision. I don’t really want to do it, but I have to explore my options and see what happens before Feb. 9.”

Williams’s choice to reopen his recruitment deals another big blow to the Tide with Saban leaving. The loss of the six-foot wideout may also signal a bigger problem on the hands of Alabama’s remaining staff due to his mention of Wiggins, who left for Texas A&M on Jan. 3.

Given the timing, Williams’s call could be a sign of things to come in Tuscaloosa, considering his last two Instagram posts show his excitement to join the program and eventual de-commitment.

These are really Ryan Williams’ last two posts on his Instagram ???? pic.twitter.com/nm97MBL9xE

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) January 11, 2024

A senior at Saraland High School in Alabama, Williams remained a standout amongst his peers in 2023, recording 72 receptions for 1,324 yards and 19 touchdowns this past season.

With his awaited commitment back on the table, Williams is expected to embark on several visits in the coming weeks, including Texas on Jan. 27 and Auburn, where his father played, on Feb. 2, as well as new-look Alabama on Jan. 20 and new list addition Texas A&M this coming weekend, per AL.com.