A talented 5-star wide receiver currently at Alabama, Ryan Williams, shared insights into his decision to remain committed to the Crimson Tide instead of switching to Auburn. The rivalry between Alabama and Auburn has always been fierce, especially for local recruits like Williams, a 17-year-old freshman from Saraland, Alabama, who reclassified from the 2023 class.
During his visit to Auburn for the Iron Bowl, Auburn coaches put pressure on him to commit if they won the game. “Before the game, they told me, ‘If we win, you’re committing at center field, and we’ll rush the field,’” he explained on the “New Wave Podcast.”
The game was intense, with Auburn leading 24-20 late in the fourth quarter. Alabama faced a crucial 4th and goal from the 31-yard line, and quarterback Jalen Milroe threw a last-minute touchdown pass to Isaiah Bond. Williams described his anxiety during that moment, saying, “It was 4th and 31, and I was shaking in my boots. I thought, ‘Please, come on.’ I was excited, thinking, ‘Yeah, I’m gonna run on the field!’”
However, he admitted that he didn’t actually want to rush the field if Auburn won. When Alabama clinched the victory, he felt relieved to avoid that commitment.
Despite visiting Auburn five times and only once to Alabama, Williams ultimately chose the Crimson Tide, where he has already made an impact with 10 receptions for 285 yards and four touchdowns in just three games. Alabama will have a bye in Week 4 before facing No. 2 Georgia on September 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.