In the wake of Alabama head coach Nick Saban’s retirement Wednesday, former Crimson Tide commit and five-star rated wide receiver Ryan Williams walked back his pledge.

Williams, a Saraland native, had already been a high-priority Auburn target before Saban left. He recently re-classified into the 2024 class from the 2025 group.

Auburn has four receivers in its 2024 class: five-stars Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson as well as four-stars Malcolm Simmons and Bryce Cain. They make up four of what has been referred to as the “Freeze 5″ — the wide receiver class that is hoped to change the fortunes of Auburn’s offense.

The fifth, the one missing receiver, is Williams. Having already been thought to be a very plausible flip location for Williams, his departure from the Alabama commitment may leave Auburn as the favorite to land the dynamic receiver.

Auburn’s class is currently ranked in the top 10 nationally. A Williams commitment would make it a top-five group. Auburn will be Williams’ final official visit. Williams will make his decision on Feb. 9, his birthday.

Here’s how Auburn players and coaches reacted:

Matt Cohen covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Matt_Cohen_ or email him at [email protected]