5-Star WR Ryan Williams Decommits From Alabama After Nick Saban Retirement

Five-star wide receiver recruit Ryan Williams has decommitted from Alabama in the aftermath of head coach Nick Saban announcing his retirement.

"First off I would like to thank God, my family, and anyone else who has helped me make it to this point… but with careful consideration with my family I will be decommitting from the University of Alabama … respect my decision," Williams said in a statement to Hayes Fawcett of On3.

Williams added that the departures of both Saban and ex-Alabama wide receivers coach/assistant head coach of offense Holmon Wiggins, who left to become Texas A&M's co-offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach, played a major factor in his decommitment.

Needless to say, Williams is a massive loss for the Alabama program. Per the 247Sports Composite list, Williams is ranked 12th overall among class of 2024 recruits and No. 4 within the wide receiver group.

In his July scouting report, Gabe Brooks of 247Sports projected him as a future first-round draft pick and compared him to Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Calvin Ridley. Brooks called him an "electric playmaker with excellent top-end speed and make-you-miss elusiveness."

The Saraland, Alabama native may not be taking his talents to the Crimson Tide anymore, though. He could conceivably recommit to the school, but that may seem unlikely now after Saban left.

Per the 247Sports website, Williams had official visits lined up with Alabama (Jan. 20), Texas (Jan. 27) and Auburn (Feb. 3). He plans to sign with a school officially on Feb. 9.

The question now is whether other top prospects follow suit, or whether current Alabama players enter the transfer portal. Alabama has a host of talent either on the roster now or scheduled to head to the university. With Saban gone, though, it's possible that players could change their minds about playing for the Tide.