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Kirk Herbstreit laments NIL culture after Ryan Williams drop vs. Georgia

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh09/28/25griffin_mcveigh
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) signals a first down after making an catch against the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated Georgia 41-34. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) signals a first down after making an catch against the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated Georgia 41-34. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Ryan Williams began his night against Georgia the same way the Wisconsin game ended — with a drop that would have otherwise been a touchdown. Williams continues to let passes from Ty Simpson hit the ground in critical situations, highlighted by ESPN play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler.

“This has become a story this year,” Fowler said. “The drops against Florida State were crucial. Had him over the middle. Maybe feeling footsteps there, then he dropped the touchdown late against Wisconsin, had a comfortable lead. And then this play just happened tonight.”

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Speaking to the media following the Wisconsin win, Williams admitted he needed to be better. The issues go back to the Florida State game as well, before leaving due to a concussion. In moments where no defenders were around him, drops occurred.

Kirk Herbstreit wondered if the pressure of playing in the NIL era is part of the reason. Williams is one of the biggest stars in college football, both on and off the field. Expectations for the true sophomore are incredibly high. And everyone, at this point, knows how old Williams is.

 “The only thing you can say is — obviously (he is) more than capable making all those catches,” Herbstreit said. “You just wonder in this new era that we’re in with NIL and the expectations that come along with that, that sometimes these guys overthink and put so much pressure on themselves.”

Williams entered Saturday with 10 catches to his name for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Most of the production came in Tuscaloosa vs. Wisconsin, putting five catches and 165 yards on the Badgers. Both of the scores came there as well. However, Williams would be the first to tell you he should have three TDs after the drop.

“I left one out there,” Williams said. “It was an OK game. We could always play better. “Can’t get too comfortable in the second half of the game. That’s what we’ve been focusing on all week — not getting comfortable. (Alabama wide receiver coach JaMarcus Sheppard) jumped on my back at the end of the game.”

Williams is considered one of the most valuable players in all of college sports. His $2.5 million NIL Valuation ranks No. 14 in the NIL100. Only 11 other football players are ahead of him in the rankings, none of whom are on the Alabama roster.