It wasn't exactly the start to the 2026 season that Ryan Coleman-Williams wanted. The first two downfield passes from Keelon Russell to the junior WR were dropped. It was deja vu of his biggest problem from a year ago, and you could hear the audible groans in Bryant-Denny Stadium and across the state.
Coleman-Williams bounced back and put together a productive game. He was Alabama's leading receiver - by far - turning five receptions into 130 yards. He also had one electric punt return.
The offseason was filled with optimism that Coleman-Williams would have a major bounce-back season after last year's struggles. His uneven debut may have Alabama fans expressing doubts that anything is different.
But his head coach and his quarterback both doubled down on him in the postgame.
"Yeah, he went out there, made some contested catches, too," Kalen DeBoer said. "You know we're gonna keep feeding him. He's a relentless worker, and he's gonna keep getting the ball."
Keelon Russell took it a step further:
“At the end of the season you’re going to be looking at the best duo in the country," Russell said.
Ryan Coleman-Williams has the confidence of his QB and head coach
Coleman-Williams was able to put the early drops behind him. Fortunately for him, the second drop, on what should have been a touchdown pass from Russell, won't go on the official stat sheet. ECU jumped offsides before the snap, which made it a free play. Public opinion won't forget that drop, but it won't put a dent in his numbers.
After the early drops, Coleman-Williams stepped up and made some contested catches, like DeBoer pointed out. He made an explosive 58-yard catch and run in the second quarter for Alabama's longest offensive play of the day. He also had a big play on a punt return that set up the Crimson Tide's second touchdown of the afternoon.
Week 1 is always full of growing pains. This one was no different. But Alabama still beat a quality Group-of-Six opponent with zero anxiety. Everyone will get better from Week 1 to Week 2.
Russell wasn't perfect in his starting debut. Coleman-Williams had two plays he wished he could have back. The two combined for a fumble in the third quarter on a missed exchange on a jet sweep motion play, but it's tough to tell whose fault that was.
Those two will continue to get in sync, and like Russell states, will be one of the more dynamic duos in the country by the time the season is over.
Alabama showed some obvious upside in Week 1. They'll take a look at the film this week and get a good idea of what needs to be cleaned up before next Saturday's trip to Lexington against Kentucky to open SEC play.
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