Alabama football player Nick Saban recruited in lead to win Ryan Grubb’s Crimson Tide QB competition

The Alabama Crimson Tide football program, under the leadership of head coach Nick Saban, has been a dominant force in college football for nearly two decades. Known for its elite recruiting, impeccable coaching staff, and ability to develop top-tier talent, Alabama has built a legacy of success that continues to attract some of the best players in the country. For the 2025 season, one of the most intriguing positions on the roster is quarterback—a position that has been a staple of Alabama’s success in recent years.

With the 2025 season on the horizon, Nick Saban and his staff are facing a unique challenge: selecting the starting quarterback who will lead the Crimson Tide offense. Although Alabama has traditionally been known for its powerful defense and elite running game, the quarterback position has recently been placed under the spotlight as the team transitions into a more pass-heavy offense. The challenge becomes even more interesting with the addition of new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who has a history of developing top quarterbacks and leading prolific offenses.

Alabama’s Quarterback Landscape: A History of Elite Talent

Alabama’s quarterback position has seen a significant evolution in recent years. For a long time, the Crimson Tide relied heavily on a strong running game and a stout defense, with quarterbacks often tasked with managing the game rather than being the focal point of the offense. However, as college football has transitioned to a more pass-oriented game, Alabama has adapted, and the quarterback position has become increasingly important.

In recent years, Alabama has been fortunate to have a number of standout quarterbacks, including the likes of Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young. These quarterbacks helped elevate Alabama’s offense to new heights, breaking passing records and leading the Tide to numerous SEC titles and national championships. As a result, the expectations for the quarterback position at Alabama are always high, and the competition to win the starting job is fierce.

The 2025 season is no exception, as Nick Saban and Ryan Grubb look to identify the best fit to run their offense. With Grubb’s reputation for developing quarterbacks, it is clear that the competition for the starting quarterback spot will be intense, and several players will be vying for the opportunity to lead the Crimson Tide offense.

Nick Saban’s Recruitment Strategy: A Look at the QB Candidates

One of the most important factors in Alabama’s success over the years has been Nick Saban’s ability to recruit top-tier talent. Known for his meticulous recruiting strategy, Saban has built one of the most talented rosters in college football year after year. For the quarterback position, this means that Saban has consistently recruited some of the best high school quarterbacks in the country.

Heading into the 2025 season, Alabama’s quarterback competition is particularly interesting because of the talent that Saban has recruited. While there are a few players vying for the starting role, it is clear that some have emerged as the front-runners due to their potential and the level of talent they possess. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key candidates for Alabama’s starting quarterback position.

Ty Simpson: The Five-Star Talent

The most obvious candidate for the starting quarterback job is Ty Simpson, a five-star recruit who was one of the top quarterbacks in the nation in his recruiting class. Simpson has been a highly anticipated prospect for Alabama ever since he committed to the program, and his skill set has turned heads since his arrival in Tuscaloosa. Standing at 6’2” and weighing in at around 210 pounds, Simpson has the physical attributes necessary to succeed at the highest level. His arm strength, mobility, and football IQ have made him one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the country.

Simpson was originally recruited by Saban to be the future of Alabama’s offense, and the coaching staff has worked to develop him into a leader who can thrive in Grubb’s offensive system. Simpson’s ability to make all the necessary throws, combined with his athleticism, gives him the tools to succeed in any offensive scheme. The key for Simpson will be gaining experience and adapting to the speed of college football. If he can take his game to the next level in 2025, there is little doubt that Simpson has the potential to lead Alabama to another national championship.

Jalen Milroe: The Dual-Threat Option

Another strong contender for the starting quarterback role is Jalen Milroe, a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs. Milroe has already seen significant action for Alabama in previous seasons, making him one of the more experienced options in the quarterback room. While he may not be as polished as Simpson in terms of passing mechanics, Milroe’s ability to create plays with his legs has made him a dangerous weapon in the backfield.

Milroe is a dynamic athlete who can extend plays and make defenders miss in the open field. His speed and athleticism allow him to turn broken plays into big gains, making him a threat both as a passer and a runner. For Grubb, who values a versatile quarterback who can both throw and run, Milroe could be a great fit in the offense. If Milroe continues to develop his passing game and can improve his decision-making in the pocket, he has the potential to lead Alabama’s offense in 2025.

The Impact of Ryan Grubb’s System

One of the most interesting aspects of the 2025 quarterback competition is the arrival of offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Grubb, who has built a strong reputation for developing quarterbacks at previous stops, has a track record of turning good quarterbacks into great ones. He was instrumental in developing standout quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr. at Washington, helping elevate the Huskies’ offense to elite levels.

Grubb’s offensive system is known for its pro-style concepts, emphasizing accuracy, decision-making, and reading defenses. For a quarterback like Simpson, who has all the tools to succeed but needs to continue developing his mechanics, Grubb could be the perfect coach to bring out his full potential. Similarly, Milroe’s dual-threat ability could be maximized in Grubb’s offense, which encourages quarterbacks to make plays both in the pocket and on the move.

The addition of Grubb to the Alabama coaching staff represents a shift toward a more balanced and dynamic offense. While Saban has traditionally relied on a run-heavy system, Grubb’s expertise could open up new possibilities for the Crimson Tide’s passing game. Whether it’s Simpson’s precision or Milroe’s athleticism, Grubb’s system has the potential to elevate Alabama’s offense to new heights in 2025.

What Will It Take to Win the Starting Job?

With Simpson, Milroe, and potentially other candidates vying for the starting quarterback position, it is clear that the competition will be fierce. But what will it take to win the job? For one, the quarterback will need to prove his ability to execute the offense and make accurate throws in all situations. Grubb’s system demands quarterbacks who can read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver the ball with accuracy and velocity.

In addition, the quarterback will need to prove his leadership qualities. Alabama’s offense requires a quarterback who can command the huddle, inspire confidence in his teammates, and perform in clutch situations. While both Simpson and Milroe have shown flashes of brilliance, the job will ultimately come down to consistency and performance in critical moments.

Finally, the ability to minimize mistakes will be key. Saban is known for his discipline and focus on turnover prevention, and the quarterback who can limit mistakes while taking advantage of opportunities will have the inside track to the starting job.