Former 4-star WR in line for a bigger role in 2026 for Alabama

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The wide receiver position for Alabama football remains one littered with talent, regardless of the program graduating Germie Bernard to the NFL Draft and losing some guys to other schools via the NCAA transfer portal.

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Kalen DeBoer had no issues saying goodbye to Jaylen Mbakwe, Cole Adams, Isaiah Horton, and Jalen Hale as all four names have moved on.

Alabama also moved on from JaMarcus Shephard in hiring Derrick Nix from Auburn to be its new wide receivers coach.

Ryan Coleman-Williams, a junior from Mobile, Ala., emerges as the leader in the room for the Crimson Tide. The former five-star had issues with dropped passes in 2025, but he is focused on becoming much better. Lotzier Brooks, a sophomore, impressed as a freshman, yet the New Jersey native is hungry for more production.

Who emerges as the No. 3 option at wide receiver to give the potential starting quarterback another threat and to make Ryan Grubb’s offense more potent? A former four-star from the 2024 signing class sees spring practice and the coming fall as his time to shine.

Rico Scott, a Pennsylvania native, enters year three at Alabama with Coach DeBoer.

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He has three career touchdowns, including two last season on 11 receptions.

The 6-foot, 196-pounder worked in all 15 games for the Tide, yet finished tied for eight in receptions. A window of opportunity opens for him with the recent departures as he can acquire a more prominent role in the passing game.

Scott possesses route concepts, consistent hands, speed, and explosiveness to generate big plays.

His touchdowns came versus Florida State in the 2025 season opener and versus Tennessee at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Scott has been patient, though, he knows his time is now to be impactful.

Grubb, Alabama’s offensive coordinator, is scheduled to address reporters on Thursday in media availability. We will see how he views Scott on offense.

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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.