What may Ryan Grubb’s Alabama football run game look like? What to anticipate

In 2025, the Alabama Crimson Tide football program is poised to undergo a transformation under the leadership of head coach Nick Saban, who has consistently adapted his team’s style to remain at the forefront of college football. One of the most anticipated changes heading into the new season revolves around the offensive scheme, particularly with Ryan Grubb taking over as the team’s new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Known for his ability to create a potent offensive attack, Grubb’s appointment promises to shape Alabama’s run game in ways that might look different from the past.

Alabama, traditionally known for its power run game, dominated the ground in years past with talents like Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and Najee Harris. However, as college football has evolved, so too have offensive strategies, and Grubb’s influence is expected to bring an innovative twist to the Tide’s running attack. Grubb comes to Alabama after an impressive stint as Washington’s offensive coordinator, where he helped build one of the more explosive offenses in the country, known for its balance and effective use of both the running and passing game. Under Grubb, Alabama fans should expect an aggressive, multifaceted ground game that maximizes the talent in the backfield while diversifying the offensive playbook.

Here’s what Alabama fans can expect as Ryan Grubb looks to bring his vision to the Crimson Tide’s run game in 2025.

1. A Shift Toward Zone Running Schemes

One of the hallmarks of Ryan Grubb’s offensive philosophy during his time at Washington was his heavy reliance on zone running concepts, and it’s expected that he will bring these to Alabama. Zone runs, which allow the offensive line to create natural cutback lanes, emphasize offensive line movement and running back vision. While Alabama has run a mix of zone and power running in the past, under Grubb, zone schemes could become more prominent.

At Washington, Grubb’s offensive line was tasked with executing zone blocking schemes that forced defenders to account for multiple possibilities on any given play. This type of scheme works particularly well in creating options for the running back, who must be patient and read the blocks developing in front of them. This will be a noticeable shift from the more traditional power and downhill running plays that have been staples in Alabama’s offense over the years.

Key takeaway: Alabama’s offensive line will likely need to develop a more synchronized approach in the run game, where timing and communication between linemen will be crucial for the success of the zone runs. The backfield’s ability to read and adjust to the scheme’s flow will also be pivotal.

2. A Multi-Back System with Versatile Running Backs

One of the defining characteristics of Grubb’s offenses at Washington was his ability to use multiple backs in a way that maximized their strengths. Whether it was a traditional running back or a player who could line up in various spots across the formation, Grubb ensured that the ball was distributed to different players to keep the defense off balance.

At Alabama, Grubb is expected to continue this trend, utilizing a multi-back system that provides a variety of looks to defenses. Expect the Tide to incorporate running backs who can do more than just run between the tackles. This may mean using backs as receiving threats out of the backfield, a facet of the run game that has been somewhat underutilized at Alabama in recent years.

If Jase McClellan or Roydell Williams (depending on who emerges as the primary back) are expected to be the top backs for Alabama, both have the versatility to contribute in the passing game as well. McClellan, for example, has shown an ability to catch passes and make defenders miss in the open field. Grubb will likely design plays where the backs can either run the ball effectively or be used as safety valves for quarterbacks in short-yardage situations.

Key takeaway: Alabama’s running back corps under Grubb will likely see an uptick in receiving opportunities, giving quarterbacks more options on checkdowns and screen passes.

3. A Heavy Use of Pre-Snap Motion and RPOs

In today’s offensive football landscape, motion and RPOs (run-pass options) have become vital tools in keeping defenses guessing. Grubb utilized both of these effectively during his time at Washington, and it’s highly likely that he’ll bring these elements to Alabama’s offense as well. Pre-snap motion can help create mismatches by forcing defenders to communicate and make split-second decisions, while RPOs allow quarterbacks to make reads based on what the defense gives them.

By using motion, Grubb will be able to get his running backs into favorable positions to attack the defense’s edges, whether through the air or on the ground. The threat of the quarterback pulling the ball and throwing a quick slant or screen will force defenses to commit to either defending the run or the pass.

The use of RPOs will also help quarterback Jalen Milroe (or whoever takes the starting job) make decisions quickly, based on the defense’s movements. A defense that cheats too aggressively toward the line of scrimmage to stop the run will leave itself vulnerable to the pass, particularly quick-hitting slants or screens. The goal for Grubb’s offense is to keep defenses on their toes and not allow them to key in on one aspect of the game.

Key takeaway: The use of pre-snap motion and RPOs will make the Alabama run game more dynamic, adding layers to the offensive scheme that weren’t always present in previous seasons. Expect more creativity and misdirection to make defenders’ jobs more difficult.

4. Focus on Explosiveness with Play-Action

Under Grubb, Washington’s offense was known for its ability to create big plays, especially in the passing game. However, a strong run game is often the catalyst for explosive passing plays, and this will be a focus for Grubb as he establishes the run game at Alabama.

In Grubb’s system, the run game will set up play-action opportunities, where the defense is forced to respect the run, opening up space for deep throws down the field. Alabama has had success with play-action in the past, but under Grubb, the run game will likely need to be even more explosive in order to make the play-action more effective.

Given the speed and talent on the Alabama roster, Grubb will look to stretch the field horizontally and vertically to create space for his playmakers. Wide receivers like Jeremiah Alexander and Kobe Prentice, with their speed and agility, will be key targets for Milroe on play-action passes.

Key takeaway: Expect Alabama’s play-action passing game to be more effective and aggressive in 2025, thanks to a revamped run game that forces defenses to play honest.

5. Potential for a More Balanced Offensive Attack

One of the underlying goals of Ryan Grubb’s offensive philosophy is balance. In previous years, Alabama’s offense was often skewed toward relying on a heavy run game or leaning on the arm of their quarterback to win games. However, with Grubb in charge, the expectation is that Alabama will run a more balanced attack. This means more equal distribution of run and pass plays, with the ability to pivot between the two based on what the defense gives.

A balanced attack, where the run game is integrated with the pass, will put less pressure on any one unit and will allow the offense to adjust on the fly. If the running game isn’t clicking, the offense will have enough versatility in the passing game to keep moving the chains and scoring points. Grubb’s ability to seamlessly blend the run and pass game will allow Alabama to attack opponents from multiple angles.

Key takeaway: Alabama will be able to run a more balanced offense in 2025, one that is flexible and capable of adjusting depending on the flow of the game.

6. Emphasis on Depth and Rotations in the Backfield

Ryan Grubb has a track record of using multiple running backs in order to keep players fresh and prevent wear-and-tear over the course of a long season. At Washington, he didn’t hesitate to rotate backs, ensuring that fresh legs were always available in key situations.

For Alabama, the depth at running back is a luxury, with players like McClellan, Williams, and Justice Haynes all providing a different skill set. Grubb will likely rotate these backs in and out of the game based on their strengths and the defense’s weaknesses, making it difficult for opposing teams to key in on one player.

Key takeaway: Expect a committee approach at running back for Alabama in 2025, with multiple players getting significant carries throughout the game.