Before the 2025 season, does Alabama football have an offensive line issue? What Ryan Grubb believes

As we approach the 2025 college football season, the Alabama Crimson Tide, traditionally one of the most dominant programs in the sport, has seen its fair share of changes. While the team still remains one of the most talented in the nation, one area that has sparked considerable conversation is the offensive line. With the departure of several key players to the NFL and a few struggles along the line in recent seasons, the question persists: does Alabama have an offensive line issue heading into 2025? And what does Ryan Grubb, the new offensive coordinator, believe about the team’s ability to address this concern?

The Historical Context of Alabama’s Offensive Line

Alabama football has long been known for its elite offensive line play. Under legendary head coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide built a reputation for controlling the line of scrimmage, punishing opposing defenses, and providing stability to their quarterbacks and running backs. The “Bama Wall,” as some have referred to it, was an integral part of their success during their national championships over the past two decades.

From players like Andre Smith, Cam Robinson, and Jonah Williams to more recent standouts like Evan Neal, Alabama’s offensive lines have produced numerous NFL draft picks and created an identity for the program that’s synonymous with power football. However, the past few seasons have seen some cracks begin to show. While the team has remained a powerhouse, its offensive line has not consistently been up to the standard many have come to expect.

The 2023 season, in particular, highlighted some issues along the line, with inconsistent play at tackle, guard, and center. Quarterbacks, particularly Jalen Milroe and Tyler Buchner, often faced heavy pressure, and running backs had to work harder to find space to run. While Alabama still fielded an offense that could score points, their offensive line play was a topic of concern heading into 2025.

The Departure of Key Players

One of the main challenges for Alabama heading into 2025 is the loss of key veterans who played pivotal roles along the offensive line. In the past few years, players like Tyler Steen, Darrian Dalcourt, and Jahmyr Gibbs (although a running back, his presence was crucial in pass protection) played integral roles in keeping the offense afloat. With several of these players departing, Alabama will be looking to replace experience with talent, but that transition can often come with its own set of growing pains.

The loss of experienced starters means that young talent and new recruits must step up. While Alabama is consistently ranked among the top recruiting classes in the nation, and the program has an embarrassment of riches, integrating young players into the offensive line is no easy task. Offensive line play requires not just talent but cohesion, communication, and time spent in the system, all of which Alabama will need to find quickly in 2025.

The Arrival of Ryan Grubb: A Fresh Perspective

Enter Ryan Grubb, Alabama’s new offensive coordinator for the 2025 season. Grubb’s hiring has generated a great deal of excitement and optimism for the future of the program. Before coming to Alabama, Grubb was the offensive coordinator at Washington, where he revitalized a once-stagnant offense and helped develop the quarterback play of Michael Penix Jr. He was instrumental in making Washington one of the most explosive offenses in the Pac-12.

Grubb’s reputation as a sharp offensive mind is well-established, but one of the key areas of his expertise has been in developing strong, versatile offensive lines. His ability to build a balanced offense, with an emphasis on both the passing game and the running game, has always relied on getting the most out of his front five. Now, as the offensive coordinator at Alabama, Grubb will be tasked with fixing a potential issue that has lingered in recent seasons—the offensive line.

Does Alabama Have an Offensive Line Issue?

While the departure of key players and the need for young players to step up might suggest that Alabama is facing an offensive line issue, Grubb’s outlook on the situation is not as bleak as it may seem. In fact, he sees potential in the group, despite the challenges ahead.

When asked about the state of the offensive line, Grubb was quick to point out that, while the group might not be as experienced as in years past, they possess the necessary physical traits and work ethic to succeed. Grubb has always been a coach who values a strong foundation, and he believes that the incoming talent, combined with a full offseason of development, can turn things around quickly.

“Yes, we’ve got some work to do,” Grubb admitted, “but this group has some of the best physical traits I’ve seen. It’s all about development, technique, and chemistry. If we can get these guys to gel and get them working together, we’ll be just fine.”

Key Areas of Focus for Grubb

Grubb’s approach to improving the offensive line in 2025 will focus on several key areas:

1. Coaching Fundamentals and Technique

Grubb is known for his emphasis on coaching the fundamentals of the game. At Washington, he worked closely with his offensive linemen to ensure that they had the necessary technique to be successful in both the running and passing game. From footwork to hand placement, Grubb will be looking to refine the basic skills of his Alabama offensive line.

“Technique is everything,” Grubb said. “If we can get these guys to consistently execute the fundamentals, they will improve significantly.”

2. Creating a Cohesive Unit

One of the main challenges for Alabama’s offensive line in recent years has been the lack of consistency in terms of cohesion. Offensive linemen often rotate in and out of the starting lineup, which can prevent the group from developing the chemistry needed to succeed. Grubb’s approach is to build a unit that is consistent and well-coached, ensuring that the five players on the field are on the same page at all times.

“Offensive line play is all about trust. They need to trust each other to do their jobs, and they need to work together to create lanes and protect the quarterback. This will take time, but I think we have the right group here to make it happen,” Grubb explained.

3. Developing Young Talent

Grubb’s arrival at Alabama comes at a time when the team’s recruiting classes have brought in some of the best young talent in the country. Players like Austin Pruitt, Mikey Wilson, and Chris Moore are expected to compete for starting spots, and their development will be one of Grubb’s top priorities. Grubb is confident that these young linemen, while still raw, have the physical tools to thrive.

“They’re big, they’re strong, and they’ve got the mentality to succeed. It’s all about molding them into the type of players we need, and I believe they can get there with the right coaching.”

4. Adapting to the SEC’s Defensive Fronts

One of the challenges Alabama’s offensive line will face in 2025 is the sheer talent and depth of defensive fronts in the SEC. Teams like Georgia, LSU, and Texas A&M have built strong defensive lines capable of disrupting any offense, and Alabama will need to find a way to handle that pressure. Grubb, however, is confident that his offensive line can handle these challenges with the right game plans and adjustments.

“We’ll face some tough defenses, but I think we can compete with the best of them. It’s all about recognizing the pressure, making adjustments, and executing the game plan,” Grubb said.

Grubb’s Optimism for 2025

Heading into the 2025 season, Ryan Grubb is confident that Alabama’s offensive line issues, while present, are not insurmountable. While there is a lot of work to be done, Grubb believes that the combination of talented young players, solid coaching, and a focus on fundamentals will be enough to fix the offensive line woes.

“Right now, we’re focused on getting better every single day. We’ve got the talent, we’ve got the coaching, and we’ve got the mindset to be successful. I’m excited about what we can do with this group, and I know they’ll rise to the occasion,” Grubb concluded.

The Path Forward

Does Alabama have an offensive line issue heading into the 2025 season? The answer is not a simple yes or no. While there are clear challenges, particularly with the loss of experienced players and the need for young talent to step up, Ryan Grubb’s optimism and experience suggest that the issue is one that can be addressed with time, coaching, and development.

Alabama fans can rest easy knowing that the offensive line, though in transition, has the potential to be a strength in the future. Under Grubb’s guidance, the unit could very well return to its former dominance, setting the stage for another championship run in 2025.