His sophomore season wasn't what anyone hoped, but armed with a new name and a new number, Ryan Coleman-Williams is gearing up for what should be a major bounce-back season for the former 5-star recruit.
Coleman-Williams burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old freshman sensation in 2024 by making jaw-dropping plays, including the game-winning touchdown reception to knock off Georgia in Kalen DeBoer's first signature win as the Crimson Tide head coach.
Last year was a struggle for Coleman-Williams, though. Drops became a real issue, and injuries hampered any sort of progress. He seemed to regress from his outstanding freshman season. Alabama's offense wasn't nearly as explosive without his big-play ability.
But Coleman-Williams has had a strong offseason, adding noticeable weight and being a major standout during spring practice. He's earned praise from many, DeBoer included. The Alabama head coach knows just how important Coleman-Williams is to the Tide's offense for 2026.
Kalen DeBoer knows Ryan Coleman-Williams' value for Alabama
Coleman-Williams has faced a lot of criticism, both nationally and within his own fanbase. DeBoer can relate to that. They are kindred spirits in that way. But DeBoer also knows the value of his superstar WR.
“Man, we are a better football team because he’s here," DeBoer said, via The Tuscaloosa News.
DeBoer knows how important Coleman-Williams has been for him both on and off the field. Originally a 2025 recruit, Coleman-Williams was committed to Alabama for a long time before decommitting following Nick Saban's retirement. DeBoer reeling him back into the boat steadied the waters for the Crimson Tide in recruiting and roster retention, and Coleman-Williams reclassifying into the 2024 class was huge for DeBoer's first Alabama team.
The conversation around the country has shifted to guys like Jeremiah Smith and Cam Coleman as the top WRs for the 2027 draft class. Coleman-Williams has become a footnote in his own class, but that won't last much longer.
There's confidence all over that this is going to be a special year for the rising junior receiver. If he has the type of season he's capable of, then Alabama's offense is going to be that much more dangerous in 2026, and Coleman-Wiliams will restore the hype he generated after his phenomenal freshman campaign.
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