Star Alabama WR’s decision to reclassify may change college football and the NFL forever

Ryan Williams’ decision to reclassify from the Alabama football class of 2025 to the Crimson Tide class of 2024 could forever change the way players are paid in college football and the NFL, writes A’s Zach Ragan to Z Sports.

If 17-year-old Williams’ transition to the NFL goes well, Ragan believes more receivers will try to follow his model; which could earn him two or even three nine-figure contracts before he turns 30.

“Williams’ decision to reclassify is something we may see more of among elite high school players due to the financial impact it can have on a player’s future NFL career,” Ragan wrote.

“Worst case scenario is that Williams gets his first major contract extension in his age-24 season. Depending on how his first three seasons turn out (and which team drafts him), it’s possible he gets that extension as early as his age-23 season. Regardless of whether the extension comes at age 23 or 24, Williams is likely to receive a second massive contract extension sometime between ages 26 and 28. Then he could probably get another decent contract in his early 30s.”

Williams didn’t give up his commitment to Alabama after Nick Saban retired because he saw the forest through the trees. Playing for Kalen DeBoer is just a way to get his NFL millions.

Alabama star Ryan Williams started at QB before moving to WR

Williams was a quarterback in middle school before switching to receiver because Saraland needed a third receiver. Maybe that’s why he has such a great understanding of route running and how to trip DBs.

Williams has risen to stardom as one of the sport’s biggest mismatches. It makes perfect sense that he can read a defense better than most WRs in the country.