Alabama’s playmaker explains why new OC Ryan Grubb has a particular NFL player in mind for his 2025 job.

The Alabama Crimson Tide football program has long been a beacon of excellence in college football, with countless championships, legendary coaches, and a history of producing some of the best players in the NFL. In 2025, Alabama is at another crossroads with a new offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, taking the reins of a high-powered offense that will shape the future of the team. While Grubb is known for his innovative offensive strategies, a recent statement from one of Alabama’s star playmakers revealed an interesting insight into his vision for the team’s future: Ryan Grubb is building his offense with a particular NFL player in mind.

As the playmaker in question shared their thoughts, it became clear that Grubb’s offensive philosophy wasn’t just about improving Alabama’s play in the collegiate realm. Instead, it was rooted in creating a system that would enable his quarterbacks to succeed at the next level—specifically, the NFL. Grubb’s approach to Alabama’s 2025 offense, the tools he is bringing to bear, and his vision for molding an NFL-ready quarterback have made headlines, especially as speculation about the future of Alabama’s signal callers mounts.

Ryan Grubb: A Proven Track Record of Success

Ryan Grubb’s appointment as Alabama’s offensive coordinator was met with widespread approval and excitement. Grubb, who previously served as Washington’s offensive coordinator, earned a reputation for developing potent offenses that are both dynamic and efficient. His work with quarterbacks at Washington, particularly his ability to coach up NFL-level prospects, was a significant factor in his hiring by Alabama.

During his tenure with the Huskies, Grubb helped quarterback Michael Penix Jr. evolve into a Heisman contender, overseeing one of the nation’s most explosive passing offenses. His success at Washington wasn’t just a product of Penix’s talent but also his ability to design schemes that maximized the quarterback’s strengths. Grubb’s offensive system was known for its precision passing, smart play-calling, and a deep understanding of defensive coverage that allowed his quarterbacks to make quick decisions and get the ball to the right playmakers.

At Alabama, Grubb inherits a team filled with raw talent and depth at key positions, especially at quarterback. However, one of his central tasks will be to translate his success with Washington’s passing game to Alabama, which has often relied more on a balanced attack featuring both a strong running game and efficient quarterback play.

A Playmaker’s Perspective: Building an NFL-Ready Quarterback

One of the key elements of Grubb’s offensive philosophy at Alabama, as shared by a prominent playmaker on the team, is the focus on developing a quarterback who can thrive in the NFL. This focus aligns with Grubb’s history of working with high-level quarterbacks and grooming them for the next step in their careers. According to the playmaker, Grubb has consistently referenced a specific NFL player—Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers—as the ideal model for the type of quarterback he envisions leading Alabama’s offense.

Grubb’s admiration for Herbert is well-documented. A strong-armed quarterback with an exceptional ability to read defenses, Herbert is known for his poise in the pocket and his ability to make all the throws required at the NFL level. Grubb’s system at Washington showcased many of the same traits that Herbert displayed in his college career, including quick decision-making, precision passing, and the ability to work under pressure. For Grubb, Herbert represents the ideal of what a quarterback can become in his system: a player capable of making all the throws, commanding an offense, and thriving at the next level.

This comparison is not just hypothetical but central to how Grubb is approaching his first season at Alabama. According to the playmaker, Grubb’s goal is not merely to win games at the college level but to develop quarterbacks who can make the jump to the NFL and succeed. In particular, Grubb is reportedly working with Alabama’s quarterbacks on developing a combination of physical traits—like arm strength and mobility—with the mental acuity needed to excel in the fast-paced, pressure-filled environment of the NFL.

Building the System: The Pro-Style Elements of Grubb’s Offense

Grubb’s admiration for Herbert as an ideal quarterback comes as no surprise when looking at the elements of his offense. His system at Washington was built around a pro-style approach, one that would appeal to NFL scouts. At Alabama, Grubb has continued to emphasize a similar style, ensuring that his quarterbacks are proficient in making reads, progressing through multiple targets, and throwing with velocity and accuracy. The playmaker noted that Grubb’s offense isn’t just about racking up yardage or scoring quickly; it’s about preparing the quarterback for the complexities of the next level.

The quarterback, under Grubb’s system, will be expected to make decisions in real time, scanning the defense and adjusting to defensive schemes. This ability to read the field and make quick decisions mirrors what NFL quarterbacks are asked to do on a weekly basis. Grubb’s pro-style influence will allow Alabama’s quarterbacks to handle more complex playbooks, involving more deep throws, quick release passes, and high-pressure situations.

Moreover, Grubb has a specific interest in utilizing play-action passes to keep defenses on their heels, a tactic commonly seen in the NFL. The playmaker explained that Grubb is putting an emphasis on developing his quarterbacks’ ability to handle not just traditional drop-back passing, but also the play-action game, where timing and precision are paramount.

In addition to arm strength and accuracy, Grubb is also working on the mobility of his quarterbacks. Much like Justin Herbert, who is known for his ability to move around in the pocket and extend plays with his legs, Grubb wants his quarterbacks to be able to keep plays alive even when the pocket breaks down. Grubb’s system encourages quarterbacks to keep their eyes downfield while also being able to make plays with their legs when necessary, further preparing them for the mobility requirements of the NFL.

The Pressure of Developing an NFL-Ready Quarterback

While Grubb’s focus on molding an NFL-caliber quarterback might be inspiring to some, it also introduces significant pressure on the quarterbacks in his system. The playmaker noted that there is a strong sense of accountability in the Alabama quarterback room under Grubb’s leadership. Players know that if they want to succeed, they must embrace a relentless work ethic and constantly strive to improve, both physically and mentally. For many of Alabama’s quarterbacks, including the highly talented Ty Simpson, this pressure could be both motivating and overwhelming.

The playmaker explained that the quarterbacks are held to high standards. Every practice is an opportunity to sharpen their skills, and every throw is evaluated. While this may sound typical of any top-tier program, the difference under Grubb is that the stakes are not just about winning college games—they are about preparing for the next level. Grubb’s emphasis on NFL-style reads, deep throws, and pocket presence pushes players to refine their skills in ways that align with the demands of professional football.

The playmaker pointed out that while Grubb’s coaching style can be intense, it is also highly collaborative. The quarterbacks are not simply handed a playbook and expected to execute; they are encouraged to develop a deep understanding of the offense, engage in film study, and have open conversations with Grubb about their progress. This development-first approach gives players the tools they need to succeed both at the collegiate level and in the NFL, making them not just better quarterbacks but more well-rounded individuals on and off the field.

Ty Simpson: A Potential Herbert Prototype?

The future of Alabama’s quarterback position hinges on how Ty Simpson adapts to Grubb’s system. After a promising but inconsistent start to his college career, Simpson’s future is up in the air, and the pressure is mounting for him to develop into the kind of quarterback that Grubb envisions. The playmaker noted that Simpson, like Herbert, possesses the physical tools to succeed in Grubb’s offense, but it’s the mental aspect of the game that will determine his success.

For Simpson, the journey ahead will involve refining his decision-making, reading defenses more effectively, and becoming more comfortable in a pro-style system. The parallels between Simpson and Herbert are striking, and it’s clear that Grubb sees potential in Simpson to be the type of quarterback who can make the leap to the NFL.

As Grubb implements his system and molds Alabama’s quarterbacks, all eyes will be on Ty Simpson and whether he can live up to the high expectations that have been set. The pressure is immense, but with Ryan Grubb’s guidance, Simpson has the chance to develop into a player who not only leads Alabama back to glory but also makes an impact at the next level, just like the NFL quarterbacks Grubb has worked with in the past.