Coleman-Williams: Can he break Alabama's streak?

The Alabama Crimson Tide has not seen a 1,000-yard receiver since the 2021 season, a streak that began after multiple players achieved the milestone between 2018 and 2021. Ryan Coleman-Williams, who recorded 865 receiving yards as a freshman in 2024, is now entering his third season under head coach Kalen DeBoer and is widely considered the most likely player to surpass this mark in 2026.

Coleman-Williams experienced a dip in his sophomore season, primarily due to dropped passes. However, DeBoer has repeatedly praised his significant improvements both on and off the field during the offseason. He dedicated time to training in Tuscaloosa over the summer, and expectations are high for him to reclaim his standout performance.

Other receivers on the roster face challenges in reaching the 1,000-yard mark. Lotzeir Brooks, the second-string receiver from the previous season, is positioned as WR2 with a freshman year of 441 yards, making a 600-yard increase a difficult task. The WR3 position remains open, especially after Noah Rogers sustained an injury at A-Day that will likely extend into the season, potentially leading to a committee approach among other players.

While eclipsing 1,000 yards might be improbable due to the diverse target distribution, Coleman-Williams is expected to end the streak of receivers falling short of 900 yards. His leadership role is anticipated, with a possibility of being named a team captain and already selected as one of Alabama's three player representatives for SEC Media Days.