Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams did not get the opportunity to play under legendary head coach Nick Saban. Saban retired after the 2023 season, and Williams did not play his freshman season until 2024. However, since Williams was recruited before Saban retired, he had several interactions with Alabama’s former coach before he retired.
On Thursday, the New Wave Show Instagram account posted a quote where Williams spoke about the first thing he asked Nick Saban post-recruitment.
“I remember Coach Saban, when he was here, one of the first things that I asked him after I committed – because I committed my freshman year in high school to Alabama – I was like, “Hey, will I have an opportunity to express myself? Can I do a podcast or something like that?” He was like, ” Yeah, we have the opportunity with all the support that we have here at Alabama.””
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Ryan Williams, who has an NIL value of $2.7 million, has not had any issues expressing himself early in his college football career. The most notable business opportunity he had recently was to become one of the cover athletes for EA College Football 2026. He was named as one of the cover athletes alongside Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Ryan Williams Has a Podcast, Proving That Nick Saban Was Telling the Truth
It was several years ago that Ryan Williams asked Nick Saban about being able to express himself once he got to college. So, it would be understandable if the landscape changed and it was no longer possible. However, that is not the case, and Williams has a podcast.
He is one of the hosts of the “New Wave Podcast,” alongside Jaylen Mbakwe and Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. On the podcast, they discuss everything to do with Alabama football and the rest of the college football world.
Williams has become one of the most entrepreneurially successful players in college football despite only being 18 years old. According to Forbes, Williams has brand deals with Fortnite, EA Sports, Wingstop, Uber, NASCAR, and he is the face of the clothing brand Hollister.
Williams will be able to continue to grow his brand over at least the next two college seasons. Williams will not be eligible to enter the NFL draft until after his junior season because players are required to be three years removed from high school to enter the draft. He performed well as a freshman, making 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight TDs.
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