Ryan Williams’ Cryptic Transfer Message Much Clearer After Teammates’ 24-Hour Portal Stay

Ryan Williams worried Alabama football fans with a cryptic post on Instagram this week. Many immediately speculated about his transfer portal entry having seen a number of teammates choose to do the same.

Twenty-four hours later, that vague message has become much clearer. As it turns out, Williams was actually referencing good news for the Crimson Tide.

Freshman safety Jaylen Mbakwe filled out his transfer portal paperwork on Monday afternoon. A few hours later, he made his intentions of leaving Alabama evident. He posted a message to followers on social media announcing his decision.

Mbakwe said it was a “business decision,” hinting at a more lucrative NIL opportunity elsewhere. The loss was a big one for the Crimson Tide. Mbakwe saw action in five SEC contests. He recorded an interception and 15 tackles.

A five-star talent, he was expected to continue elevating his role moving into his sophomore season. The transfer news seemingly put an end to that future.

Hours after Mbakwe’s announcement, Ryan Williams posted a photo of the duo from the 2024 season. The caption read, “Bingo we got action!”

Some believed it to be related to Jaylen Mbakwe’s NIL situation. Others thought Williams was following his teammate out the door. No one truly knew what it meant. Now, they do.

Less than a day after entering the transfer portal, Mbakwe changed course. He now intends to stay in Tuscaloosa for his second season. Williams must’ve known that news prior to it going public, which prompted his Instagram response. Both players celebrated after the fact.

Mbakwe channeled the Wolf of Wall Street to break his news. Williams, meanwhile, turned to NFL defender Marcus Peters to get his point across. “I think we ain’t done yet.”

Just 24 hours ago, Alabama football fans were afraid of losing two freshman stars to the transfer portal following a 9-3 season in which they missed out on the playoff. Now, worries have been eased. Both Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe should be back for the Crimson Tide in 2025.