Kalen DeBoer drops a last-second prediction about Ryan Williams ahead of Rose Bowl against Indiana Hoosiers

Kalen DeBoer feels good about the Alabama Crimson Tide star heading into the Rose Bowl.

Rob Gregson NFL News Writer
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Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) looks on during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Ryan Williams was not the same player in 2025 as he was in his freshman season in 2024. The good news for him and the Alabama Crimson Tide is that it’s a new year, and the game against the Indiana Hoosiers serves as a fresh start.

At some point, a player of Williams’ pedigree and potential will turn the corner. He will get out of his slump, find his hands, and get back to making plays for the Crimson Tide. If you ask Kalen DeBoer when that is, he will tell you sooner rather than later.

Kalen DeBoer expects Ryan Williams to bounce back soon

“People can always say stuff, but they don’t know. When you’re there with him, and you see the smile, the work, the team-first attitude that he has, you can’t help but root for him, whether it’s as a coach or whether it’s as a teammate. I just love the guy. The guy is super talented, and it hasn’t been the perfect year,” said Kalen DeBoer via the Crimson Tide YouTube channel.

“But everyone in this room, all the players, I know that they have nothing but love and giving them the support that they have because every day when he steps on the football field, he’s trying to overcome and help us be better. And I know that’s what he’s done the last week and a half.

“He’s going to have a game like he’s had at different times where he goes off, and I’m just waiting for that moment because when it is, it’s going to be awesome. And we’re all going to be super happy for him. And I know that it’s coming sooner than later.”

Make no bones about it. Williams has regressed in every meaningful stat when comparing his freshman and sophomore seasons. Receptions, yards, touchdowns, yards per catch, it has all gone down. The only thing that has gone up is his FBS leading drop rate.

But don’t count out Williams just yet. He’s do for a big game, and that just might happen in the Rose Bowl.