Why Alabama football would have to share 2026 Ohio quarterback if he commits to Crimson Tide
Sharing a quarterback between programs, especially in a scenario where Alabama football would have to share the 2026 Ohio quarterback if he commits to the Crimson Tide, typically hinges on NCAA roster management rules, scholarship limits, and strategic team planning. The NCAA imposes strict limits on the number of scholarships and roster spots, which means if Alabama commits to this quarterback, they might need to navigate complex roster logistics, potentially involving scholarship sharing agreements or redshirting to accommodate other quarterbacks. Additionally, in cases where the quarterback’s commitment overlaps with other programs, mutual agreements or transfer rules may come into play, making it feasible for the player to split time or remain in a shared role across programs, especially if the player is considering multiple offers or if NCAA regulations evolve to allow more flexible sharing arrangements. Ultimately, such a scenario would involve a combination of NCAA compliance, strategic recruiting, and the player’s development plans, which could lead to a situation where Alabama and another program might need to share the quarterback’s talents, either through transfer agreements, dual commitments, or strategic redshirt years, all aimed at maximizing the player’s career and team success while adhering to NCAA guidelinequarterback between programs, though unconventional, could theoretically arise in special circumsts.
Furthermore, the concept of sharing a ances such as transfer agreements, redshirt policies, or collaborative training arrangements, especially if the player has connections to multiple programs or if NCAA rules become more flexible regarding multi-team commitments. For instance, in the current NCAA landscape, transfer portals and waiver options sometimes allow players to move or split time between programs, particularly if they are seeking more playing time or development opportunities. If Alabama were to pursue this Ohio quarterback, they might negotiate arrangements that enable the player to split practice time, participate in select games, or even be part of joint training initiatives with his original high school or another college, under NCAA or conference special provisions. Additionally, the logistics of sharing a quarterback would involve considerations around eligibility, scholarship allocation, and coaching staff coordination, all aimed at maximizing the player’s growth while maintaining compliance. While such a scenario remains highly speculative and rare, it exemplifies the evolving nature of college football recruiting and player development, where innovative approaches might emerge to address roster constraints, player aspirations, and competitive advantage. Ultimately, any decision to share a quarterback would be driven by strategic team needs, NCAA regulations, and the player’s best interest, potentially setting a precedent for future creative collaborations in college athletics.
Before Ryan Grubb extended an offer to 2026 Cincinnati quarterback Matt Ponatoski, the Alabama football offensive coordinator got the big question out of the way.
Ponatoski, the incoming senior quarterback at Archbishop Moeller High School, is also a renowned baseball recruit, one who committed to Missouri as an eighth grader, who is the No. 16 high school baseball prospect nationally per Baseball America and one who plans to play both football and baseball for as long as he can.
And if the uncommitted four-star quarterback were to choose Alabama, Ponatoski said, Grubb said that plan would become a reality.
“(Grubb) was like, ‘You can come here and play both at Alabama,’” Ponatoski said, securing a Crimson Tide offer after Alabama quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan watched him throw in-person.
Alabama is looking for a 2026 quarterback, one to add to a roster that could include each of the three scholarship quarterbacks the Crimson Tide has on its 2025 roster: Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. Ponatoski is one of two recent 2026 quarterback offers, along with Nebraska four-star and Iowa State commit Jett Thomalla.
Even with a full room, Ponatoski, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound athlete listed as the No. 22 quarterback in the 2026 class per 247Sports’ composite rankings, realizes that playing time at a place like Alabama carries weight, no matter how long it may be for.
“You only need one year at Alabama,” Ponatoski said. “And (if) you play good, you’re in the NFL.”
