Alabama OC Names Current Leader of Crimson Tide’s Three-Way Quarterback Battle

 

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Ryan Grubb gave an update on where the quarterback competition stands heading into the summer before his first year at Alabama. New Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer inherited Jalen Milroe, but with the two-year starter now in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks, DeBoer and his offensive coordinator—Grubb, who coached with him at Washington—have a decision to make among three very different QB candidates.

Ty Simpson, though lacking extensive playing time, is the most seasoned in the room, beginning his fourth year at Alabama. Austin Mack, now a third-year sophomore, started at Washington and transferred after DeBoer took the Bama job. Keelon Russell, one of the most highly regarded 2025 recruits, is in the mix as a true freshman and early enrollee in Tuscaloosa.

There’s still time before Alabama chooses its starting quarterback, but Grubb said that if they had to play Florida State this week, Simpson would currently be in front.

“He is. Right now, that’s accurate. And we don’t speak in absolutes unless it’s necessary, but I wanted to be honest,” Grubb told Ryan Fowler on Tide 100.9 Thursday. “We wrapped up post-spring reviews, and Ty protected the ball better. He executed better. He grew as a player, especially for someone older. Even with limited starting reps, he showed noticeable progress in the back half of spring. But we’re still encouraging an open competition.

“All three will continue to compete during summer workouts and into fall camp, and we’ll let things sort out through performance and consistency. We track everything closely and stay transparent with all the quarterbacks.”

The competition is still wide open, and Grubb had strong praise for Russell, whose vision and poise stood out to the staff despite being new to the college game.

“Keelon’s vision is top-tier. That stands out first. As he grows more comfortable in our scheme, you can tell when a play clicks—he knows where to go with the ball, and he’s getting it out fast,” Grubb said. “He processes fast and distributes the ball properly. For someone his age, that’s remarkable.

“Combine that with his natural athletic ability—what he’s been blessed with—and you’ve got serious potential. Then add in how calm he is under pressure, especially while learning a complex system, and you’ve got something special. He hasn’t been fazed at all.”

Mack, meanwhile, is considered the sharpest passer of the three and is among the most intuitive learners of the system, according to Grubb.

When Fowler asked Grubb to describe what qualities define an ideal quarterback in his and DeBoer’s scheme, he said it boils down to three crucial factors.

“I think first is elite decision-making. You obviously want the physical tools to deliver the ball accurately, but smart choices, control, and leadership are must-haves,” said Grubb. “Those traits are essential for any great quarterback.”

Given how tight the competition is, it’s logical that Alabama leans on its most experienced option for now, but a lot can still change with so many reps remaining before the season kicks off against Florida State.

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