Author: Justina Lengfwash

  • Eagles Encouraged to Sign $77 Million Star Pass Rusher

    Eagles Encouraged to Sign $77 Million Star Pass Rusher

     

    Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Preston Smith.

    In an effort to ensure the team isn’t settling for “just good enough” and is instead striving for excellence — something the Philadelphia Eagles have excelled at in recent seasons — there may still be room to strengthen the defense of the reigning Super Bowl champions heading into 2025.

    The area where Philadelphia might have the most room for improvement this late in the offseason is at edge rusher, where Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes veteran pass rusher and current free agent Preston Smith could be an ideal fit. Knox pointed to improving the Eagles’ pass rush as their biggest remaining offseason priority.

    A glance at Smith’s recent productivity may lead reasonable observers to prefer him over a more famous name like Von Miller, in fact.

    “General manager Howie Roseman should continue monitoring the pass-rushing market,” Knox noted in his June 17 piece. “Philadelphia added Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari in free agency, but lost Josh Sweat and dealt Bryce Huff to the 49ers. They also said goodbye to Brandon Graham, who retired. The Eagles’ revamped pass-rush group should be solid, but bringing in a vet like Von Miller or Preston Smith could be a real boost.”

    Smith Has Quietly Put Together a Strong NFL Career
    Smith has quietly been one of the most reliable and effective pass rushers in the league over his 10-year career. His resume suggests he deserves more recognition than he’s received — even if his paychecks, totaling about $77.3 million, reflect his value.

    That’s especially notable since Smith has never made a Pro Bowl or earned All-Pro recognition, though there’s an argument he’s deserved both on multiple occasions.

    Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 270 pounds, Smith dominated during his senior year at Mississippi State in 2014 with 48 tackles, 9.0 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, two picks and two forced fumbles, earning All-SEC status. That campaign launched him into the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, where Washington selected him 38th overall.

    The most remarkable stat about Smith is his availability: he’s played in 163 of 164 regular season games and has averaged 7.4 sacks per year across 10 seasons.

    He’s started 138 games and topped 8.0 sacks six different times, peaking with 12.0 sacks in 2019. He’s never had fewer than 4.0 sacks in any season. His versatility also stands out — with five interceptions and 27 pass deflections.

    Smith spent four years in Washington before signing a four-year, $52 million deal with the Green Bay Packers in 2019. He later extended his contract in 2022 for four more years at $52.5 million. The Packers traded him to Pittsburgh during the 2024 season, and the Steelers released him on February 14.

    How the Eagles Could Add Smith to the Mix
    Philadelphia can offer Smith something few teams can match — a legitimate shot at another Super Bowl. The reigning champions already boast talent across the board and are built to compete again.

    When it comes to a contract, Philadelphia might begin with a one-year, $3 million offer, potentially increasing it to $5 million depending on interest.

  • West Virginia Football Lands Another 2026 Commit Following Official Campus Visit

    West Virginia Football Lands Another 2026 Commit Following Official Campus Visit

    The WVU offensive line shields quarterback Nicco Marchiol during the 2024 season matchup against Arizona. If you weren’t aware, you might think WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez had some help from Swiper, the sneaky character from Dora the Explorer. That’s because the Mountaineers have pulled off a number of recruiting flips lately, including commitments from Noah Tishendorf and Antoine Sharp. Now, they’ve added another surprise: Class of 2026 offensive lineman Camden Goforth has switched his commitment to West Virginia.

    Goforth, a three-star lineman out of McMinn County High School in Tennessee, received his offer from WVU in May and described his reaction as “pure excitement.” However, just a few days later, he committed to Coastal Carolina on June 2.

    Despite that commitment, Goforth honored a previously scheduled official visit to Morgantown this past weekend, as reported by Jeff Cobb of Blue Gold News. That visit clearly made an impression, as Goforth publicly announced his flip to WVU before the end of his trip.

    “I can’t even explain how thrilled I am. This is a huge moment for me,” Goforth said in an interview with Rivals prior to the visit. “West Virginia has always been high on my list, and now it’s real. That means a lot.”

    WVU was one of just two Power 4 schools to offer Goforth, with NC State being the other. Goforth had an official visit to NC State set for June 20, though it remains to be seen whether he still plans to attend. He also made an unofficial trip to Louisville in March.

    The Mountaineers aren’t done yet, either — they’re now trying to flip Texas Tech commit Aaron as their next target.

  • Reports suggest the Lakers are showing interest in a top-tier shot blocker.

    Reports suggest the Lakers are showing interest in a top-tier shot blocker.

    Lakers Could Pursue Walker Kessler as Long-Term Big Man Option
    The Los Angeles Lakers are in search of a stable, long-term solution at the center position. Luka Doncic thrives alongside rim-running bigs who can finish lobs, but he can also flourish with a tough, physical presence in the paint.

    General Manager Rob Pelinka is expected to explore numerous possibilities to find a center capable of solidifying the Lakers’ interior. As reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on ESPN Radio 700, Los Angeles is still “intrigued” by Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler.

    “The only thing I’ve heard… is that Walker Kessler continues to be a name the Lakers are interested in,” McMenamin noted. “Last season, the Jazz’s demands were too high, and those trade talks fell through when the Lakers decided to redirect their assets into the Luka deal. That took the Kessler conversation off the table. If those talks start again, he’s still viewed as a potential solution at center. I’m not saying a trade is imminent or anything is heating up, but he’s still on the Lakers’ list.”

    Kessler, age 23, put up 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game last season. He connected on 66.3% of his field goals, but his free-throw percentage was low at just 52%. Though not known for high-flying plays, he can still be a force around the basket playing next to stars like Doncic and LeBron James.

    Kessler Would Be a Bold Move for L.A.
    Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes recently described Kessler as an “ambitious” trade candidate for the Lakers.

    “Walker Kessler has placed in the 95th percentile or higher in block rate among centers each of his first three years,” Hughes wrote. “That elite rim protection could completely reshape a Lakers squad that ranked 21st in blocks per 100 possessions and 25th in opponent field goal percentage at the rim last season.”

    Hughes added:

    “Besides providing top-tier defense for a team lacking a true starting center, Kessler also adds value on offense with his 4.6 offensive rebounds per game and elite lob-finishing ability.”

    With Austin Ainge now serving as the Utah Jazz’s new President of Basketball Operations, it’s unlikely he’ll part with one of the franchise’s top young talents. For Pelinka to land Kessler, he’ll need to get aggressive and creative; otherwise, the Lakers might need to consider other options.

    Brook Lopez a More Realistic Short-Term Fit
    Should the Lakers fail to acquire Kessler, they may seek a more temporary answer. Brook Lopez could be that player. The veteran big man, originally from Los Angeles, will hit the open market this summer as an unrestricted free agent.

    Though Lopez isn’t as quick as he once was, he remains a dependable shooter and rim protector. Last season, he logged 13 points, 5 boards, 1.8 assists, and 1.9 blocks over 80 games. He also shot 37.3% from three on 4.7 attempts per contest and made 63.6% of his two-point tries. Lopez previously played with the Lakers during the 2017-18 campaign.

    A reunion with the Lakers could be a logical fit for both Lopez and the team—especially as a short-term fix.

     

  • Bislett Games Men — Warholm Takes Rivals, Shock Win For Young

    Bislett Games Men — Warholm Takes Rivals, Shock Win For Young

    Nico Young’s powerful finish made him only the third American man ever to win a Diamond League 5000. (DIAMOND LEAGUE AG)
    OSLO, NORWAY, June 12 — The 60th Bislett Games featured pre-meet buzz around two possible men’s World Records: in the newly official 300H and the 5000. Only one mark came under threat, but both contests delivered thrilling performances.

    World Athletics only made the 300H official this year, so the record attempt had less buildup than the rare in-season clash between the big three in the 400H: reigning Olympic champ Rai Benjamin, 2021 gold medalist Karsten Warholm, and 2022 world champion Alison dos Santos. (The trio will meet again soon in Stockholm for a 400H showdown.)

    Warholm has embraced the 300H, setting his latest World Record of 33.05 on April 26 in Xiamen. Competing before a supportive home crowd at Bislett Stadium, the Norwegian aimed to reaffirm his dominance in the shorter version of his main event.

    The final event of a bright Nordic evening, Warholm, in lane 7, exploded down the backstretch. Benjamin, from lane 5, was level and surged ahead around the curve. But he slowed on the homestretch and clipped the last hurdle, losing steam. Warholm kept attacking and surged into the lead to win in 32.67.

    Benjamin narrowly held off dos Santos for second, finishing 33.22 to the Brazilian’s 33.38.

    “It went well, although I was worried when Rai was coming strong. I had to push off the last hurdle to win,” said Warholm. “I usually tire at the end of the 400, so 300 suits me better. But I’ll be ready for Sunday’s 400.”

    Benjamin accepted the outcome with class. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m happy overall,” said the American, opening his 2025 outdoor season after one indoor race. “Oslo gave us this amazing stage. Races like this help all of us. I thought I’d run faster, but that last hurdle hurt me.”

    In the 5000, lights were set to pace for 12:35.36 — the World Record by Joshua Cheptegei in 2020. The early splits (2:33.04 at 1000 and 5:07.31 at 2000) showed promise, but it became clear the record wouldn’t fall. Instead, the race turned tactical and tense. At 4000m, Britain’s George Mills led, with Ethiopians Biniam Mehary and Kuma Girma and American Nico Young closely tracking him.

    Young, 22, used the same furious finish that won him the Philadelphia Grand Slam 3000 on June 1. He kicked hard off the final curve, pulling ahead of Mehary to take the win — just the third American to do so in a DL 5000 after Ben True (New York, 2015) and Paul Chelimo (London, 2018).

    Young’s 12:45.27 makes him the 13th-fastest man ever and the No. 2 American in history (the fastest U.S. time outdoors).

    “It was wild,” said Young, who placed 12th in last year’s Olympic 10,000. “I wasn’t totally sure what to expect coming in, but I’m proud I hung on. There were so many possible outcomes.”

    Mehary (12:45.93), Girma (12:46.41), and Mills (12:46.59) all ran PRs. Mills broke Mo Farah’s long-standing British Record (12:53.11 from 2011). Graham Blanks, off the pace early, finished strong in 7th at 12:48.20 — now the No. 3 American all-time.

    The men’s 800 began quickly, and Olympic champ Emmanuel Wanyonyi looked to be fading late, but he surged to win in 1:42.78. He edged Mohamed Attaoui (1:42.90) and Paris bronze medalist Djamel Sedjati (1:43.06), racing for the first time since last September.

    Portugal’s Isaac Nader shocked in the Dream Mile, grabbing the lead with 200m to go and powering to victory down the stretch. His 3:48.25 set a new Portuguese Record.

    “I’m thrilled to win so decisively — my main goal was the national record and I got it,” said Nader, who placed 4th in the 1500 at World Indoors. “This gives me confidence for Tokyo. This is just the start of my season.”

    Australian teen Cam Myers finished fast on the inside for 2nd in 3:48.87. A total of 11 runners dipped under 3:50, including Vince Ciattei, 8th in 3:49.37 — making him the 12th-fastest American of all time.

  • 2025 Demon Deacons Football Analysis: Predicted Wins, Season Overview, and Standout Players

    2025 Demon Deacons Football Analysis: Predicted Wins, Season Overview, and Standout Players

    Wake Forest Demon Deacons Key to the Season
    Prevent teams from completing passes. Wake Forest’s pass defense was one of the nation’s worst—only Mississippi State allowed a higher completion rate. The Bulldogs gave up completions on 70.4% of throws, and Wake Forest followed closely at 70.3%. The Demon Deacons were 3-1 when opponents were held to 66% or less, but just 1-7 when they weren’t.

    Wake Forest Demon Deacons Key Player
    Melvin Siani, OT Soph. The offensive skill talent is solid—one of the two quarterbacks will settle in. But it all depends on the line’s ability to hold off pressure. Among the transfer newcomers, the 6-6, 302-pound Siani from Temple must become a starter. If he performs well, the tackles could turn into a team strength, because …

    Wake Forest Demon Deacons Top Transfer, Biggest Transfer Loss
    Top Transfer In: Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OT Sr. One of the portal’s premier tackles, the 6-5, 317-pound senior had options. The former Washington State standout followed coach Jake Dickert to Wake and is expected to secure one of the tackle roles.
    Top Transfer Out: Luke Petitbon, C Sr. Once again, the O-line was a weakness, but some solid pieces exited. Petitbon, a seasoned 6-2, 295-pound center who led the line, will now take charge of Florida State’s front.

    Wake Forest Demon Deacons Key Game
    Georgia Tech, Sept. 27. Wake Forest edged Georgia Tech 9-6 to win the 2006 ACC title, but has lost all four meetings since. Wake doesn’t play a road game in September, but travel starts after this. A 2-2 start is the floor. If NC State goes down, it sets up Wake’s first 4-0 start since 2021.

    Wake Forest Demon Deacons Top 10 Players

    1. Nick Andersen, S Sr.
    2. Dylan Hazen, LB Sr.
    3. Demond Claiborne, RB Sr.
    4. Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OT Sr.
    5. Gabe Kirschke, EDGE Jr.
    6. Davaughn Patterson, S Soph.
    7. Quincy Bryant, LB Sr.
    8. Carlos Hernandez, WR Jr.
    9. Robby Ashford, QB Sr.
    10. Matthew Dennis, PK Sr.

    Wake Forest Demon Deacons 2024 Fun Stats
    – 4th Quarter Points: Opponents 117, Wake Forest 56
    – Sacks: Allowed 42 for 227 yards, Made 20 for 124 yards
    – 4th Down Conversions: Opponents 10-of-14 (71%), Wake Forest 16-of-25 (64%)

    Wake Forest Demon Deacons 2025 Season Prediction, Win Total, What Will Happen
    The schedule gives Wake Forest a real shot at a bowl. Clemson, Miami, and Louisville are off the slate, and the key clashes against SMU, NC State, and Georgia Tech are all at home. The team leaves North Carolina just four times. Oregon State is a tough road test, but coach Jake Dickert knows them well.

    Three wins—Delaware, Kennesaw State, Western Carolina—make a solid base, and the team should stay in the bowl hunt into late November.
    Set The Wake Forest Win Total At … 5
    Likely Wins: Delaware, Kennesaw State, Western Carolina
    50/50 Games: at Duke, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, NC State, at Oregon State, SMU, at Virginia, at Virginia Tech
    Likely Losses: at Florida State
    2025 Wake Forest Preview
    Wake Forest Offense Breakdown
    Wake Forest Defense Breakdown

  • Men’s Soccer Announces 2025 Schedule

    Men’s Soccer Announces 2025 Schedule

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has released the 2025 men’s soccer schedule. Following

    9 no

    their championship wins in both the Sun Belt Regular Season and Tournament, the Mountaineers are set to compete in 17 regular season games, with 10 of those taking place at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium in Morgantown. Additionally, WVU will participate in three exhibition matches ahead of the regular season.

    The year kicks off with a preseason road game at Georgetown on August 8. The Mountaineers will then return home to face Montgomery College on August 12 and Robert Morris on August 16.

    WVU officially begins its regular season with a pair of home games, starting against Manhattan on Thursday, August 21, followed by a matchup with LaSalle on Sunday, August 24.

    Next, the team travels to face perennial powerhouse Akron on Friday, August 29, before returning to host 2024 NCAA Tournament participant Gardner-Webb on Wednesday, September 3. The Mountaineers then head back on the road to take on reigning Atlantic 10 champion George Mason on Sunday, September 7.

    The Mountaineers will play three consecutive home matches at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium, beginning with California Baptist on Friday, September 12. They’ll then open Sun Belt play against James Madison on Friday, September 19, followed by a matchup with defending Big South champion High Point on Tuesday, September 23.

    West Virginia will travel to Orlando to face UCF on Sunday, September 28, before returning to Morgantown to host Georgia Southern on Saturday, October 4. The team then hits the road again for a conference matchup at Coastal Carolina on Friday, October 10.

    Their final non-conference game is set for Tuesday, October 14, when they welcome American to town. The Mountaineers will then travel to Georgia State for a Sun Belt game on Saturday, October 18.

    Two additional Sun Belt matchups are set for Wednesday, Oct. 22, when the team hosts Old Dominion, followed by a road trip to Lexington to face Kentucky on Sunday, Oct. 26. The Mountain State Derby will take place on Friday, Oct. 31, with Marshall visiting Morgantown. The regular season wraps up on Tuesday, Nov. 4, with an away game at South Carolina. Please note that all dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Details regarding tickets for the 2025 home schedule will be released at a later time.

     

  • Why Jalen Hurts Is a Dark Horse MVP Candidate, According to NFL Expert

    Why Jalen Hurts Is a Dark Horse MVP Candidate, According to NFL Expert

     


    Jalen Hurts heads into the 2025 NFL season as an intriguing dark horse MVP contender, thanks to a blend of achievements and untapped potential that make him worth watching. Though he guided the Eagles to a Super Bowl title and took home MVP honors, questions still linger regarding his place among the NFL’s top-tier quarterbacks.

    Since taking over as Philadelphia’s starter in 2021, Hurts has shown steady improvement. In the past four seasons, he has thrown for close to 15,000 yards and tallied 140 total touchdowns, blending his running and passing skills with sharper efficiency. His leadership and clutch performance have been vital to the Eagles’ rise, capped by a dominant 2024 playoff performance.

    Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) launches a pass from the pocket in the second half versus the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan–Imagn Images
    Hurts benefits greatly from a loaded offensive unit. With stars like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert, the Eagles boast one of the NFL’s most explosive attacks. Add in Saquon Barkley’s versatility out of the backfield, and Hurts gains more freedom, balancing air and ground threats. This mix sets him up for another impressive campaign.

    Yet, Hurts must navigate several challenges to strengthen his MVP credentials. The Eagles’ revolving door at offensive coordinator — now with Kevin Patullo as the fifth in six years — could disrupt consistency. Critics also argue Hurts’ balanced offense might limit his stats compared to other pass-heavy quarterbacks in the MVP race.

    NFL Expert Identifies Eagles’ Jalen Hurts as a Dark Horse for MVP

    Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) signals the play during the third quarter against the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer–Imagn Images
    Hurts may surprise the league by entering the MVP race this year. NFL.com’s Judy Battista expanded on this in a recent analysis on the league’s official website.

    The current Super Bowl MVP had an up-and-down season last year, though he did finish as MVP runner-up in 2022. Surrounded by elite talent — A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert — Hurts has options, but with Barkley’s involvement, he might not post eye-popping numbers that MVP voters typically favor, even if his team dominates.

    Nonetheless, Hurts perfectly fits today’s quarterback prototype — agile, adaptable, and mentally tough. His clutch performances and ability to win games could lift him in MVP conversations. If he sharpens his game further and keeps the Eagles among the top teams, his MVP buzz will only increase.

    Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) fires a second-quarter throw against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer–Imagn Images
    Hurts’ rise from overlooked prospect to Super Bowl hero sets the foundation for a possible MVP campaign. Entering his sixth season, he has the talent, support, and drive to show he belongs in the NFL’s most elite class.

    Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) warms up before Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee–Imagn Images
    This story originally appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was republished with permission.

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  • on $15 Million Forward Ahead of Big Decision

    on $15 Million Forward Ahead of Big Decision

     


    The Los Angeles Lakers are already dealing with salary cap challenges, and things just got more complicated with the latest update on Dorian Finney-Smith.

    Following the end of the season, Finney-Smith reportedly underwent ankle surgery to address an issue that had limited him during the 2025-26 campaign and in the Lakers’ playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

    While he’s expected to be ready for training camp, Finney-Smith has a decision to make—he can opt out of his $15.4 million player option before June 29. Additionally, he’s eligible to sign a contract extension with the Lakers, potentially locking in a new three- or four-year deal.

     

    Dorian Finney-Smith was traded to the Lakers from the Brooklyn Nets in December in exchange for D’Angelo Russell and several second-round draft picks. Prior to the trade, he had missed games with the Nets because of an ankle injury, and after joining the Lakers, he sat out eight more games due to what was described as “ankle management.” According to ESPN, Finney-Smith has been struggling with this ankle problem for several years, which also caused discomfort in his left calf. The team believes he’ll be pain-free following a medical procedure.

    The 32-year-old wing, who celebrated his birthday on May 4, started 20 regular season games for the Lakers, during which the team posted a 14-6 record. Overall, he appeared in 43 games for Los Angeles last season, with the team going 29-14 in those contests.

    What’s Next for Dorian Finney-Smith?

    A key question heading into the offseason is whether Dorian Finney-Smith will remain with the Lakers,

    Finney-Smith has proven to be a valuable asset, having been traded twice in the last three seasons — first from Dallas to Brooklyn in March 2023, and then from Brooklyn to Los Angeles on December 29.

    However, his price tag is set to rise. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, his current $15.4 million salary could increase significantly if the Lakers offer him a four-year extension worth up to $22.55 million annually. A more likely scenario, given he’s entering his ninth NBA season, is a three-year deal totaling around $54 million — which would translate to an $18 million annual cap hit.

    The Lakers’ salary cap situation makes any potential contract increases—particularly for a role player like Finney-Smith—even more problematic. They are only $16 million below the highly limiting second apron, and with LeBron James holding a player option for the 2025-26 season, he could choose to opt out and secure a raise worth up to $56 million over the next two years.

     

  • The Tiger Beat: Bad news for the rotation

    The Tiger Beat: Bad news for the rotation

    We had a feeling things might be bad when Jackson Jobe landed on the injured list. Tigers fans are all too familiar with grim updates about their starting pitchers (anyone remember Alex Cobb?), but no one wanted to hear the dreaded words “Tommy John surgery” linked to one of the team’s most promising young players.

    To start with the toughest news: the biggest headline from yesterday was undoubtedly the worst — Jackson Jobe will undergo Tommy John surgery, which means he’s out for the entire 2025 season.

     


    “I think he’s clearly ahead of the pack. His fastball is elite, and last season he focused on mixing in other pitches to keep batters guessing. That fastball makes his changeup even more effective—it reaches the plate so fast and really throws hitters off. He makes them uncomfortable at the plate.”

    “He’s tough on everyone. Everything he throws comes in hard, and his changeup is excellent. It’s tough to read his pitches because of his unusual delivery and motion.”

    “I’m better hitting from the left side, but even then, he’s a real challenge. He could be the top pitcher in theLeague

     

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

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

     


    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.