Nick Saban, an Alabama football recruit, led the Crimson Tide quarterback competition won by Ryan Grubb.

Nick Saban has built one of the most successful programs in college football history at the University of Alabama. Over the past two decades, he has turned the Crimson Tide into a juggernaut, winning multiple national championships and constantly being in the hunt for a title year after year. His reputation as a recruiter, a coach, and a leader of men is second to none. However, even the best have their challenges, and one of the most important decisions a coach can make each season revolves around the quarterback position.

In the 2025 offseason, Saban and his coaching staff found themselves in a quarterback competition that was more high-stakes than most. With the departure of former starting quarterback Jalen Milroe, Alabama needed to find a new leader for their offense—someone who could guide the team through the intense SEC schedule and lead them to championship contention. The competition was fierce, with multiple candidates vying for the job, but in the end, it was Ryan Grubb, a highly-rated recruit, who emerged as the victor.

Grubb’s rise to the starting role wasn’t just about talent; it was a reflection of Alabama’s evolving recruiting strategy and Saban’s continued ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college football. In this article, we’ll dive into the quarterback competition that captivated Alabama fans, the recruitment of Ryan Grubb, and the factors that ultimately led to his winning the starting position.

The Context: A Changing Landscape for Alabama

When Nick Saban took over at Alabama in 2007, the Crimson Tide were in a state of flux. While the program had flashes of greatness, it had yet to establish the consistent dominance that would come in the years ahead. Saban, a defensive mastermind, initially built Alabama’s empire on stout defenses and a punishing ground game. Quarterbacks were important but not necessarily the centerpiece of the offense.

However, the landscape of college football began to change, particularly with the rise of high-powered offenses. Teams like Oklahoma, Clemson, and Ohio State were redefining the quarterback position, making it a more crucial component of their success. For Saban, this shift meant adapting his approach to recruiting and developing quarterbacks.

Alabama’s first significant shift came in 2008 when Saban brought in Greg McElroy, a solid but not spectacular quarterback, who helped lead Alabama to a national championship in 2009. Over the years, Alabama’s quarterbacks became increasingly dynamic, culminating with Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones, both of whom excelled in an increasingly pass-heavy offense. By the time the 2025 season rolled around, Alabama’s offense had become as much about explosive passing as it had been about power running and suffocating defense.

The departure of Jalen Milroe, following a solid but inconsistent performance as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback, created a significant hole for Saban to fill. Milroe had shown flashes of brilliance—particularly in Alabama’s dramatic win over Texas A&M in 2024—but also had moments of inaccuracy and decision-making struggles. Alabama needed a quarterback who could command the offense, make quick reads, and manage the game under pressure. This brought forth the crucial quarterback competition for the starting spot.

The Candidates: A Talented Pool of Quarterbacks

When the 2025 offseason began, Alabama was not lacking in quarterback talent. Several quarterbacks entered the competition, each with different strengths and weaknesses.

1. Tyler Buckner (Transfer from Notre Dame)

Alabama’s quarterback room was bolstered by the arrival of Tyler Buckner, a transfer from Notre Dame. Buckner had shown promise during his time with the Fighting Irish but had been inconsistent at times. He was mobile, had a good arm, and had played in some big games during his college career. Many believed that Buckner, with his experience and pedigree, would have the inside track to the starting job, especially since he had already played in a pro-style offense under Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman.

Buckner was known for his ability to make plays with his legs, but his arm strength and decision-making in the pocket were often questioned. There were also concerns about his ability to fit into the fast-paced, pass-heavy offense that Alabama had been running in recent years.

2. Jalen Milroe (Returning Starter)

Jalen Milroe entered the competition as a returning starter. Milroe had been a dual-threat quarterback who provided explosive plays with his legs. He had a cannon for an arm and could make some jaw-dropping throws down the field. However, Milroe’s main challenges were his consistency in accuracy, his ability to read defenses, and his decision-making in critical moments. While he had shown potential, there were still questions about whether he could be the steady, poised leader Alabama needed to make a run at another national championship.

3. Ryan Grubb (The Newcomer)

While Buckner and Milroe were the more experienced options, the most intriguing quarterback in the competition was Ryan Grubb. Grubb, a five-star recruit, was one of the most highly coveted quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Grubb had all the physical tools—arm strength, mobility, and size—that Alabama had come to expect from its quarterbacks. He was also known for his intelligence, football IQ, and ability to process information quickly, making him a natural fit for the complex offensive system that Alabama had adopted.

Grubb’s recruitment was a huge win for Saban and the Crimson Tide. He had been courted by several of the top programs in the country, but ultimately chose Alabama due to the coaching staff’s reputation, the program’s history, and the opportunity to compete for a starting job as a freshman.

The Recruitment of Ryan Grubb: A Key Turning Point

Ryan Grubb’s recruitment was not just about his physical tools—it was about his ability to fit into Alabama’s evolving offensive system. Saban and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien had made it clear that they wanted a quarterback who could operate in a fast-paced offense, distribute the ball to playmakers, and make quick decisions under pressure. Grubb’s ability to excel in these areas made him a perfect fit for the Tide.

During his high school career, Grubb had been a star at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, where he led his team to multiple state championships. His performance on the field was impressive, but it was his leadership, maturity, and understanding of the game that stood out to Alabama’s coaching staff. Grubb displayed poise in the pocket, quick decision-making, and an ability to read defenses at an advanced level for his age.

One of the key selling points in Grubb’s recruitment was his relationship with Saban and the Alabama staff. Saban, a coach who often values character and leadership as much as raw talent, was drawn to Grubb’s mindset and mentality. Alabama had already established a reputation as a quarterback-friendly program, especially with the success of players like Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones, both of whom thrived under Saban’s tutelage. Grubb saw the opportunity to join a winning program, be developed by some of the best minds in the game, and eventually take over the reins as Alabama’s next quarterback.

The Quarterback Competition: Grubb’s Rise to the Top

As spring practices began, the quarterback competition was expected to be a battle between Buckner, Milroe, and Grubb. While Buckner had the experience and Milroe had the upper hand in terms of in-game reps, Grubb was able to quickly prove himself during practice sessions. He displayed poise, accuracy, and leadership, impressing both his coaches and teammates with his natural ability to run the offense.

One of the biggest takeaways from the quarterback competition was Grubb’s maturity. He didn’t allow the pressure of being a true freshman to get to him. Instead, he used his football intelligence to make the right reads and keep the offense moving efficiently. Grubb also showed an impressive ability to lead the team in practice scrimmages, earning the respect of his teammates and coaching staff. His accuracy on short-to-medium throws, ability to make adjustments on the fly, and leadership qualities made him stand out as the top candidate.

By the time the first fall scrimmage came around, it was clear that Grubb had separated himself from the other candidates. His chemistry with Alabama’s receivers, including star Jermaine Burton, was evident, and he was able to execute Alabama’s up-tempo offense without missing a beat. His command of the playbook and ability to make quick decisions under pressure impressed even the most seasoned veterans on the team.

While Milroe had his moments of brilliance, his inconsistency remained a concern. Buckner, too, showed flashes but couldn’t quite match Grubb’s level of performance. As the competition wore on, it became apparent that Grubb had earned the starting job.

The Decision: Grubb Takes the Helm

In the end, Nick Saban made the call to name Ryan Grubb the starting quarterback for the 2025 season. The decision wasn’t a slight against Milroe or Buckner, but rather a testament to Grubb’s ability to rise to the occasion. His performance in practice, his leadership, and his maturity in managing the offense were the deciding factors.

Saban’s decision to go with Grubb also reflected his evolving philosophy when it comes to recruiting and developing quarterbacks. Alabama no longer relied solely on experienced quarterbacks with strong arms; instead, they were looking for players who could execute a fast-paced, modern offense while maintaining poise and intelligence under pressure. Grubb represented the future of Alabama football—a future where the quarterback position was as integral to the team’s success as the defensive line and running backs.

The Future for Ryan Grubb and Alabama

With Grubb taking the reins as Alabama’s starting quarterback, the future looks bright for the Crimson Tide. His ability to manage the game, make quick reads, and lead the offense makes him the perfect fit for the high expectations that come with playing for Alabama. While he will face stiff competition in the SEC and beyond, Grubb’s combination of talent and maturity gives Alabama fans hope that the quarterback position will continue to be a strength for the program.

Saban’s decision to recruit Grubb, and ultimately trust him with the starting job, is a clear indicator of how the Alabama program has evolved under his leadership. The Crimson Tide are no longer just a powerhouse because of their defense and running game—they are now a complete, balanced team that can win in any phase of the game. Grubb’s leadership will be key to continuing Alabama’s dominance, and he could very well lead the Tide to another championship before his college career is over.

In the end, Ryan Grubb’s rise to the top of Alabama’s quarterback competition marks another chapter in Nick Saban’s remarkable legacy—a legacy built not just on recruiting talent but on adapting to the changing game and finding the right players who can thrive in any situation. For Alabama, the future is in good hands.