Alabama wide receiver tells what Tide expects to see from Oklahoma’s defense

Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) closes in to make a tackle on Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Isaiah Horton (1) at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

The Alabama Crimson Tide is set to face the Oklahoma Sooners Friday for the second time this season after losing 23-21 at home in mid-November. Not only will it be revenge for that loss, but for some, it’s also revenge for the loss last season.

Last year, the Tide went into Norman with its playoff hopes still alive, but its inability to even score a touchdown killed them. The Crimson Tide lost that game 24-3, and many Alabama players still have it on their minds.

Sophomore wide receiver Ryan Williams is one of those players, and he believes the Tide knows what to expect this time around.

“We know what to expect, as far as playing them,” Williams said. “We’ve played them, well, I’ve played them twice now; once this season and once last season, and we definitely have a great idea of what’s to come, we just have to execute at a high level.”

Williams also spoke on Friday about what the offense is stressing ahead of the Friday matchup.

“Executing the simple,” Williams said. “Making the simple plays simple. Continuing to try to be the best ball security team, ball-dominant team in the country… Honestly, last time we played there, we had to win fast, in terms of receivers. Their defense is very similar to what it was this year when we played them; super dominant on defense. They like to throw the ball, they play fast, fly around, super physical. Really just playing fast, don’t allow them to touch us, and make plays whenever they come.”

Williams has been the leading receiver for three games this season, and he’ll be looking for another as he attempts to exact his revenge on the Sooners. Not only is he just 0-2 against Oklahoma, but he also had a touchdown called back on a controversial illegal touching penalty, which reversed the would-be touchdown to bring the Tide within 14 in the fourth quarter.

Although Williams’ present hasn’t exactly been felt in some of the Tide’s games this season, particularly in the Iron Bowl, where he didn’t even record a reception, the hope is that his speed will allow him to make some huge plays in Norman this time around.