Ryan Williams details change in buy-in level Kalen DeBoer has in Alabama locker room

There is a different atmosphere in the Alabama football locker room entering head coach Kalen DeBoer‘s second year at the helm. During an appearance on the College GameDay Podcast, star Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams revealed what’s different about the Crimson Tide this year.

“We had a lot of guys that, like you said, they bought in,” Williams said. “They spent the year under the system. And pretty much everybody that didn’t feel like it was their best interest, they’re not a part of the team. So everyone that’s here, they’re on the Kalen DeBoer train, and we’re all about work.

“It gives us the opportunity to be more player-led and lean on each other. Don’t get me wrong, he’s an outstanding leader as a head coach. But he definitely allows us to be more player-led and I think that’s what’s really making us a much better team than last year. Just because, it was kind of a gray area. No one really knew what to expect going into the season.”

There will be no confusion about DeBoer’s leadership heading into the 2025 campaign. In his debut season in the driver’s seat, DeBoer led Alabama to a 9-3 record in the regular season and a 5-3 mark in conference play.

However, due to a shocking 24-3 loss to Oklahoma late in the regular season, Alabama didn’t receive an at-large bid in the College Football Playoff. They were the first team out, and actually finished 11th in the final College Football Playoff rankings, but were excluded since Clemson won the ACC Championship.

While it wasn’t the ending that DeBoer was hoping for in his first season, there was still plenty to celebrate, particularly Ryan William’s season. As only a freshman, Williams hauled in 48 catches for a team-high 865 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

For his efforts, he was named an All-SEC First-Team selection. Now, Williams is not only prepared to add to his jaw-dropping statistics, but also serve as a leader for the Crimson Tide.

“We have a leadership council,” Williams said. “Everyone’s dialed in. It’s a bunch of focus from the bottom up. Our freshmen, they came in with their hair on fire. And you know what they say, you’re only as strong as your weakest link.

“I can say our weakest link — they’re gonna be in trouble because our weakest link ain’t weak. So, we’re super excited.”

On Aug. 30, Alabama will kick off its season with a showdown against Florida State at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will air live on ABC.