Five-star wide receiver Ryan Williams, who was scheduled to play for the Crimson Tide starting in 2024, decommitted from Alabama on Wednesday following Nick Saban's retirement announcement.
Williams told ESPN he didn't know the news until he heard it on social media. He had been committed to Alabama since October, but was scheduled to wait until his birthday in February to sign his national letter of intent. The initial signing period was in December.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
An overview of the Alabama logo painted on the field before the SEC Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on December 2, 2023. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
“Actually, I had no idea,” he told ESPN. “We were in a dead period right now, with all the other players transferring or announcing their draft picks. I was wondering (what would happen), but then I heard on Twitter (that Saban was retiring). Knew.
“It was already tough after Coach (Hormone) Wiggins left, because that's my position coach. But you can always find another position coach. Coach Saban leaving, the legacy leaving. Like, that was the cherry on top.”
Saban's retirement came as a big surprise among college football fans.
The Alabama Million Dollar Marching Band performs before the college football SEC Championship game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on December 2, 2023. (David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Deion Sanders says changes in college football 'kicked the goat' after hearing of Nick Saban's retirement
“The University of Alabama has been a very special place to Terry and I,” Saban said in a statement. “We have enjoyed every moment of our 17 years as head coaches at the University of Alabama and as members of the Tuscaloosa community. It's not just about how many games we win or lose, it's about our legacy and how we It's about how far you've come.
“We have always tried to do it the right way. The goal has always been to help our players create more value for their future, become the best players possible and do more in life. It was about helping them be successful, because they're in the program, and hopefully we were able to accomplish that.'' That way, we will always consider Alabama home. Probably. ”
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban during media day at the Rose Bowl on December 30, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Steve Rimentani/ISI Photo/Getty Images)
It's unclear who will replace Saban at Alabama.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Williams said he is still deciding what happens next for him. He listed Texas, Texas A&M and Auburn as potential candidates.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcast and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
