After breaking onto the scene as a 17-year-old freshman sensation during the 2024 season, big things were expected of Ryan Coleman-Williams as a sophomore. Unfortunately, despite some glimmers of superstardom, it was a disappointing second act for the former 5-star recruit.
He struggled with drops, lost the faith of the coaching staff, and ultimately fell well short of expectations as a sophomore. It was a frustrating season for Coleman-Williams and Alabama fans, who didn't shy away from voicing that fact.
But sophomore slumps really aren't anything new for elite Alabama WRs. Coleman-Williams was far from the first to experience one. There's a lot of belief within the program that a major bounce-back is in store.
The rising junior has put in the work this offseason. He's noticeably bigger and stronger, which should allow him to stay healthier through the grind of the season.
While faith was shaken by his performance last season, there's still plenty of belief in his ability. Most still view him as a potential first-round pick, and in ESPN's rankings of college football WRs, Coleman-Williams still ranks inside the Top 10.
ESPN ranks Ryan Coleman-Williams as the No. 10 WR in college football
The No. 10 spot is a drop for Coleman-Williams, who came into the 2025 season as the No. 2 WR in the same rankings, behind only Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith.
The fact that he remains in the Top 10, however, shows that the faith hasn't been completely shaken.
Because Coleman-Williams was far from a Top 10 overall WR last season. He produced only 689 yards and four touchdowns, with only a single 100-yard receiving game against Wisconsin to his name. He had one of the highest drop percentages in the FBS, and was the third most reliable receiver on his own team behind Germie Bernard and freshman Lotzeir Brooks.
The remaining belief is all due to his physical ability. That didn't just go away. His confidence certainly did, but if he can get that back and cut down on his drops, then we might look back on ESPN's ranking of him and laugh at how underrated he actually was coming into the season.
"He's got it, he just had a rough year," a Big Ten staffer said, via ESPN. "Another inconsistent guy, but in terms of physical tools, he's definitely a guy that pops off on tape."
Coleman-Williams morphing back into the explosive, big-play threat he was as a freshman would go al ong way in making the Alabama offense - led by a new starting QB - a whole lot more dangerous.
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