NCAAF News: Alabama OC Ryan Grubb suggests final decision on starting QB after Jalen Milroe’s departure

With the conclusion of the 2024 college football season, Alabama fans and analysts alike have been left pondering the direction of the Crimson Tide’s quarterback position for the upcoming 2025 season. After former starting quarterback Jalen Milroe declared for the NFL Draft, Alabama’s offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, faces the pivotal task of choosing a new starting quarterback to lead the team into the next chapter.

This decision, which is expected to have significant ramifications for the program’s offensive structure, has been a source of much debate during the offseason. With multiple quarterbacks vying for the job, Grubb’s approach to the selection process has become one of the most closely watched stories in college football. While the final choice remains uncertain, Grubb’s comments and assessments of the quarterbacks thus far have provided a glimpse into the thought process that will ultimately shape the decision.

The Departure of Jalen Milroe and What It Means for Alabama

Before diving into the quarterback competition itself, it’s essential to understand the context surrounding Milroe’s departure and its impact on the team. Milroe, who took over as the starting quarterback for Alabama in 2024 after an injury to former starter Bryce Young, showcased impressive dual-threat ability and athleticism. Over the course of his tenure as starting QB, Milroe accounted for over 2,500 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and several crucial plays with his legs, rushing for more than 800 yards and 10 touchdowns.

While Milroe’s physical tools made him an electrifying player, his inconsistency in the passing game left much to be desired. With his decision to enter the NFL Draft, Alabama lost not only a dynamic playmaker but also a player with significant experience in big-game situations. His departure has left a void at the quarterback position that needs to be filled for the Crimson Tide to maintain its championship-caliber aspirations.

With this in mind, the pressure on Grubb to make the right call at quarterback has never been higher. As the offensive coordinator, Grubb is tasked with evaluating his options and finding the best fit for his offensive scheme—one that traditionally favors a balanced approach with an emphasis on a strong passing game, while also leveraging a capable rushing attack.

The Candidates: Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell

As of the spring of 2025, Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell are the leading candidates to take over the starting quarterback role. Each of these quarterbacks brings different skill sets to the table, and all have compelling reasons for why they might be the best fit for Alabama’s offense.

1. Ty Simpson: The most experienced of the group, Simpson has been with Alabama since 2023 and was a five-star recruit out of the state of Tennessee. In limited action during his first two seasons, Simpson has shown flashes of brilliance, including solid performances in mop-up duty and during scrimmages. Standing at 6’2” and 200 pounds, Simpson possesses good size, a strong arm, and a polished understanding of the game. His ability to make throws to all levels of the field, along with his accuracy, makes him a natural fit for the pass-first approach that Grubb favors.

However, Simpson has also faced criticism for a lack of consistency, particularly with his decision-making under pressure. His development during the 2025 offseason and spring practices will be crucial to determine if he can be the leader that Alabama needs under center. Grubb has mentioned that Simpson’s familiarity with the offense and his strong mental processing will be important factors in the evaluation process.

2. Austin Mack: Transferring from Washington in 2025, Austin Mack brings both experience and a solid understanding of Grubb’s offensive system. Having played under Grubb in the past, Mack already has a rapport with the coach and an understanding of the terminology and scheme. At 6’4” and 215 pounds, Mack is a physically imposing quarterback with the ability to push the ball downfield. While Mack’s limited playing time at Washington raised questions about his readiness to step into a starting role at Alabama, his potential to execute Grubb’s system effectively cannot be overlooked.

Mack’s familiarity with the offense gives him a distinct advantage over Simpson and Russell in terms of understanding the playbook and Grubb’s tendencies. However, questions about his overall talent level compared to the other quarterbacks on the roster will be a key part of Grubb’s decision-making process.

3. Keelon Russell: Perhaps the most intriguing prospect in the competition, Russell is a true freshman who comes to Alabama as the second-highest-ranked recruit in the nation for the 2025 class. Standing at 6’3” and 210 pounds, Russell has the physical tools to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. His arm strength, mobility, and poise in the pocket have impressed coaches and scouts alike, and he is widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks to come through Alabama in recent years.

However, Russell’s lack of college experience is a significant hurdle. While he has all the tools to be a future star, the transition from high school to college can be difficult for even the most highly-touted recruits. Grubb has expressed his excitement about Russell’s potential but also acknowledged the challenges he will face in adapting to the speed and complexity of college football. If Russell can prove himself in spring practices and make a strong impression, it’s possible he could earn the starting job. However, it is more likely that he will begin his career at Alabama as a backup, with Simpson and Mack getting the first chance to start.

Ryan Grubb’s Offensive Philosophy and Quarterback Evaluation

Alabama’s new offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, is known for his ability to craft dynamic, balanced offenses that utilize a pro-style approach. Grubb previously served as the offensive coordinator at Washington, where he was credited with developing standout quarterbacks such as Michael Penix Jr. Grubb’s system places a premium on precise passing, timing, and the ability to read defenses quickly. Quarterbacks in his system are expected to make quick decisions, deliver accurate passes, and manage the game efficiently.

While Grubb’s offense is not built specifically for a dual-threat quarterback, he has shown flexibility in adapting to the strengths of his quarterbacks. At Washington, Grubb helped Penix become one of the top quarterbacks in college football, showcasing his ability to adapt his system to different styles of play. This adaptability will be key in determining how Grubb moves forward with the quarterback position at Alabama.

In evaluating his quarterbacks, Grubb has emphasized several key factors:

1. Football IQ: Grubb is looking for a quarterback who can process information quickly and make smart decisions under pressure. This involves reading defenses, adjusting on the fly, and making the right throw at the right time.
2. Accuracy: While Grubb values arm strength, accuracy is paramount in his offense. A quarterback who can make precise throws, especially on intermediate and deep routes, will be favored.
3. Decision-Making: Grubb has stressed the importance of minimizing turnovers and making quick decisions. A quarterback who can avoid mistakes while managing the offense effectively will have a clear advantage.
4. Leadership: The quarterback position at Alabama requires a strong leader, someone who can command the offense, rally teammates, and thrive in high-pressure situations. Grubb will evaluate each candidate’s ability to lead both on and off the field.

The Importance of the Decision

The decision on who will start at quarterback for Alabama in 2025 will have major implications for the program’s success. With a championship-caliber roster, Alabama’s expectations for the coming season are high, and the quarterback position will be a key determining factor in the team’s performance.

If Grubb and head coach Nick Saban choose a quarterback who excels in their system and can lead the offense effectively, Alabama could be poised for another national title run. However, if the quarterback decision does not pan out, it could lead to struggles in the passing game and potentially cost Alabama in key matchups against elite SEC competition.

As the spring practices unfold, all eyes will be on the Alabama quarterback battle, with Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell all vying for the starting role. Ryan Grubb’s evaluation will ultimately shape the direction of Alabama’s offense, and his decision on who to name as the starting quarterback will be a crucial moment in the 2025 season. With so much talent in the quarterback room and a solid offensive foundation, Alabama fans are eager to see which player will emerge as the leader under center.

Whether it’s the experienced Ty Simpson, the familiar Austin Mack, or the highly touted freshman Keelon Russell, the future of Alabama’s quarterback position is in good hands. However, the decision made by Grubb will go a long way in determining just how successful the Crimson Tide can be in the 2025 season and beyond.