He's back.
After missing last week's 73-0 win over UL Monroe due to a concussion he suffered in Week 1 against Florida State, Alabama star WR Ryan Williams has been cleared to play this weekend. And that's bad news for Wisconsin.
Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams will play Saturday, per Kalen DeBoer. https://t.co/4qYOCtR0no pic.twitter.com/L99hoemr5s
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) September 10, 2025
Williams will return with a chip on his shoulder. The star sophomore endured a lot of criticism over his performance in Alabama's Week 1 loss to Florida State. With big expectations for 2025, Williams produced only 30 receiving yards on five receptions while dropping three passes.
Williams received plenty of criticism nationally, but also received an unbelievable amount of vitriol from his own fanbase. Alabama fans bashed the talented second-year WR for his performance, questioning if his head and heart are where they should be with so many activities off the field.
It didn't help that it was recently revealed that Williams is one of the highest-paid WRs in the country, set to make $1.8 million in NIL this season.
As a freshman, Williams was one of the brightest young stars in the country. He produced numerous highlight-reel plays and finished his first season with 865 yards and 10 total touchdowns.
Much more was expected for his second act at the collegiate level. And much more is soon to come.
Ryan Williams is one of Alabama's most important players
Despite how quickly some Alabama fans have turned on Williams, the fact remains that he's one of the most important players on this team. How he will be used going forward will be interesting, but he's going to make an impact sooner rather than later.
Williams played the majority of snaps in the slot against Florida State, and while he still will see some snaps there, it seems likely he's going to spend more time on the outside. Senior Germie Bernard - Alabama's leading WR through two games - can take some snaps in the slot. So, too, can freshman Lotzeir Brooks, who started in place of Williams against UL Monroe last week and showed why the coaching staff was so high on him.
Williams is too good of a player to be down for long. His performance in the loss to Florida State is not indicative of what he's going to do going forward - just as the entire team's performance is not indicative of what is going to happen the rest of the season.
Williams will make his return with a chip on his shoulder, and Wisconsin will have to suffer the consequences.