For the first time in 23 years, the Alabama Crimson Tide started the season on a losing note, as on Saturday, the Tuscaloosa side suffered a major upset against the unranked Florida State Seminoles, 31-17.
Among the many people whom fans are blaming for the loss is sophomore wide receiver Ryan Williams, who entered the season as one of the Heisman favorites. The receiver recorded only five catches for 30 yards. Moreover, he dropped multiple catches and suffered a concussion late in the 4th quarter.
As such, the freshman All-American became the subject of jokes for fans on social media. Here are the top 7 reactions to taking a shot at Williams:
Ryan Williams rn if he never had that Georgia game pic.twitter.com/mk88xWO4Tf
— G (@Gr4nts) August 30, 2025
Ryan Williams once he turned 18 pic.twitter.com/Y2OMhTxrJY
— John (@iam_johnw) August 30, 2025
Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith now that they’re not 17 years old anymore pic.twitter.com/24ag0vXGzy
— Timothy Johnson (@MiamiCanes1971) August 30, 2025
Ryan Williams running a route in 2025 pic.twitter.com/iR2mAUUQ6j
— 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯 (@xJahstin) August 30, 2025
Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith having a washed contest week 1 pic.twitter.com/smAQaIRpS1
— BancheroMVP (@BancheroMVP) August 30, 2025
Ryan Williams was better when he had Jalen Milroe pic.twitter.com/hMbiGJFxw9
— jah (@jahinterlude) August 30, 2025
Ryan Williams, Jeremiah Smith, and Arch Manning all washed before being 21 pic.twitter.com/aQzcKHHoWf
— Cam (@42Cyc) August 30, 2025

Ryan Williams Concussion Update: What Happened to Alabama WR?
During the fourth quarter, Ryan Williams collided with two FSU defenders while trying to catch the pass from Ty Simpson. The collision caused his helmet to hit the turf, and he was helped off after being attended by medical staff.
In the postgame press conference, head coach Kalen DeBoer said the sophomore did suffer a concussion and will be monitored throughout the week before they can know if he’ll be available for the Week 2 game against Louisiana-Monroe.
As far as the game is concerned, Florida State shocked fans as they entered the game as two-touchdown underdogs. The program, which struggled to win against teams last season, just defeated the biggest dog of college football, 31-17.
Also Read: Kalen DeBoer Opens Up About Building Trust With Alabama Players in Year 2
The Seminoles outplayed the Crimson Tide in the trenches, rushing for 230 yards and four touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn consistently was on top of Alabama’s defense with his plays, which resulted in 152 passing yards as well.
FSU’s defense was also able to beat Alabama on third and fourth downs, resulting in punts, especially in the third and fourth quarters. Alabama could only convert 6 of 17 third-down plays and 2 of 5 on fourth downs.
This marked Alabama’s first season-opening loss since 2001. This has led to criticism from all corners, starting with Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who called the SEC a “joke.”
“I told everybody who would listen. FSU was easy money. The SEC is a joke,” Portnoy posted on X.
I told everybody who would listen FSU was easy money. The SEC is a joke.
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) August 30, 2025
Stephen A. Smith also couldn’t help but take it out on Alabama. He wrote:
“I’m sorry, folks. I really am. But it just seems to be as if the days of Nick Saban’s @AlabamaFTBL are looooonnngggg gone. Sacks surrendered. Dropped passes. A QB who’s not a real scrambler/runner and doesn’t appear to have a strong enough arm to throw on the run. Maybe this turnover by Lucas of @FloridaState, but I doubt it.”
I’m sorry folks. I really am. But it just seems to be as if the days of @AlabamaFTBL – Nick Saban’s @AlabamaFTBL — is looooonnngggg gone. Sacks surrendered. Dropped passes. A QB who’s not a real scrambler/runner, and doesn’t appear to have a strong enough arm to throw on the run.…
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 30, 2025
Alabama needs to do well in the coming games to prove they are not the lackluster team they were in the season opener.
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