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

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

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

“Worst-case scenario, Williams gets his first major contract extension in his age-24 season. Depending on how his first three seasons go (and depending on which team drafts him), it’s possible he could get that extension starting in his 23rd season. Regardless of whether the extension comes at age 23 or 24, it leaves Williams potentially getting a second massive contract extension somewhere around age 26 to 28. Then he could probably get a decent contract in his early thirties.

Williams didn’t reconsider his commitment to Alabama after Nick Saban retired because he saw the forest for the trees. Playing for Kalen DeBoer is just a means to make his NFL millions.

Alabama star Ryan Williams started at QB before switching to WR

Williams was a quarterback in high school before switching to receiver due to Saraland’s need for a third receiver. Maybe that’s why he has such a good 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.