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Alabama head coach Nick Saban sent shockwaves throughout the college football world with a retirement decision, and an archrival could be the biggest beneficiary.
Moments after the news broke, five-star wide receiver Ryan Williams decommitted and Auburn could be the next team on his list.
BREAKING: Five-Star Plus+ WR Ryan Williams tells me he has Decommitted from Alabama
The Top 10 Recruit in the ‘24 Class will Commit & Sign in February
The Departure of Coach Saban & Wiggins played a major factor in his decision, Williams saidhttps://t.co/xI19QG2kaY pic.twitter.com/KQdMZBfCEd
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 10, 2024
Williams announced his pledge to the Crimson Tide way back in October of 2022. Initially a 2025 prospect, he reclassified to the ’24 class this December with plans of signing in February.
The pass catcher is rated by 24/7 Sports as the nation’s 10th-best player regardless of position, as well as the 3rd-best wide receiver.
But what’s Alabama’s loss could be Auburn’s gain.
The Tigers have actively been trying to flip Williams’ commitment, and now that he’s on the market, he could be theirs to lose.
Auburn working hard to land Bama decommit Ryan Williams
Shortly after Saban’s retirement announcement, Hugh Freeze honored the legendary head coach with a post on X.
“Hard to express how much Nick and Ms. Terri have meant to Jill and me as friends and you have forever set the mark for many to chase in this profession,” he wrote. “Enjoy Retirement!!”
The focus likely shifted back to recruiting shortly thereafter.
With Ryan Williams announcing his Alabama decommitment, Auburn is looking to pounce. Hugh Freeze has been on the wideout since taking over on The Plains, and his persistence could pay off.
Auburn continues to push for 5-star Alabama WR commit Ryan Williams… but has the message from Hugh Freeze & Marcus Davis resonated? (VIP)
“Yeah, I’ve definitely considered it. And I enjoy going to Auburn.”https://t.co/5GAq1C21iJ pic.twitter.com/ijWRVZjGun
— Christian Clemente (@CClemente247) October 16, 2023
Williams is a top target, and the tide might’ve just turned in Hugh Freeze’s favor with Nick Saban walking away from the sidelines.
Think he’s already been in contact with the talented pass catcher?
Many online believe so, and the mental image of Hugh Freeze simultaneously calling the Alabama decommit while posting about Nick Saban has them in stitches.
“Hugh Freeze called Ryan Williams then immediately tweeted about Saban. I’m dead.”
“He couldn’t even let the body get cold!”
“Enjoy retirement, now bring Ryan Williams HOME!”
“Not cool to tweet while driving to Ryan’s house.”
Can Auburn flip the top 10 recruit over the next month? If so, they’ll benefit from Nick Saban’s retirement in more ways than one!