Ryan Grubb arrived at Alabama this offseason after successful stints at Washington and a year with the Seattle Seahawks, stepping into the role of offensive coordinator with a clear challenge: finding a successor to Jalen Milroe, who declared for the 2025 NFL Draft . In early April, after spring practice concluded, Grubb made a bold declaration: “If Alabama had to play today, Ty Simpson would start.” That statement has reverberated ever since—and Grubb has refused to waver .
That endorsement alone elevated Simpson’s status among the three‑man QB room that includes redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and true freshman Keelon Russell. But more than a casual statement, Grubb’s unwavering support reflects deeper trust in Simpson’s decision‑making, command of the offense, and growth during spring—a trust earned, not given.
During a June interview on Tide 100.9’s The Game with Ryan Fowler, Grubb expanded on why Simpson leads the way. He spoke of Simpson’s uptick in ball‑security and operational awareness—especially “as an older guy” who showed leadership and cleaner execution in the latter half of spring camp . Grubb emphasized that this alignment wasn’t a sudden public reveal; the QB room was already aware of Simpson’s standing, having gone through internal post‑spring evaluations together . Ultimately, Grubb framed Simpson as the steadier hand in a position often defined by incremental improvements under pressure.
Simpson’s background further justifies Grubb’s confidence. A former five‑star recruit from Tennessee, Simpson has spent three seasons at Alabama, redshirting in 2022 and backing up Bryce Young and then Milroe . His in‑game reps have been sparse—just 39 passes thrown across those seasons—but he’s shown himself dependable when called upon. For instance, in 2023 he stepped in and nearly sealed a victory over USF with a late touchdown run, a key clutch play . Grubb sees that patience, experience, and incremental growth combining to create a quarterback who doesn’t merely have talent—but the maturity and operational consistency needed in a complex offense.
Age and experience are two threads in Simpson’s favor. Grubb praised Simpson’s ability “to operate better…improve for an older quarterback,” calling out the adaptability and growth you want from a seasoned player . In contrast, while Mack and Russell certainly bring talent, they don’t yet match Simpson’s combination of maturity and systems knowledge.
Let’s break down the competition:
- Ty Simpson (redshirt junior): brings stability, growth, and leadership. Despite limited snaps—24 / 39 passing attempts and 310 total yards—he projects as the low‑risk choice in a high‑stakes environment .
- Austin Mack (redshirt sophomore): a former Washington recruit who transferred and impressed Grubb with his mechanics. Grubb even praised him as Alabama’s best “pure thrower” . But he lacks Simpson’s in‑system reps and consistency.
- Keelon Russell (true freshman): a five‑star talent praised for elite vision. But Grubb also noted he’s still acclimating to the system—working on lower‑body mechanics and timing .
From a coaching standpoint, quarterbacks are graded not only by arm strength or athleticism, but by mental acuity, situational awareness, and timing—all of which Grubb flagged in favor of Simpson.
One key detail: though Grubb labels Simpson the current frontrunner, the competition isn’t closed. He stressed multiple times—after spring, in June, and in interviews—that fall camp will continue to shape the decision .
That dual path—leadership by Simpson while keeping the door open for competition—signals a mature approach by Grubb. He’s not locking in a starter early, but instead rewarding a player demonstrating steady growth and readiness. Meanwhile, Mack and Russell are given a clear challenge: elevate your consistency and command, and the job is yours.
Press coverage supports this structure. Yardbarker’s Justin Smith noted Simpson “took care of the football better” and showed those mature quarterback characteristics by late spring . Tide 100.9’s coverage added context that this wasn’t just a public PR statement—Simpson’s internal status was part of the QB room’s knowledge all along . SI’s Hunter De Siver echoed the same themes: a redshirt junior with three years of development, Simpson is the natural heir while Mack and Russell chase the job .
Overlay that with Alabama’s offensive scheme—run by Grubb and co-coordinators like JaMarcus Shephard—based on a modern spread/air‑raid system . That system demands quick reads and efficient protection. The OC wants a QB who can process fast, communicate clearly, and avoid turnovers—all areas Simpson has begun to solidify in practice.
Meanwhile, Mack offers intriguing upside, particularly with his arm talent. But his in‑system reps are still catching up . With every day this summer, he chips away at that gap—but so far, Simpson still leads.
For Russell, the path is longer. The freshman phenom has vision and confidence, but Grubb sees his next steps are “connecting lower half with upper body to generate more power” and fully mastering the scheme . It’s not a knock—it’s the normal progression for a first‑year starter.
Layer this QB battle into the bigger context: Alabama’s returning offensive core is talented, led by explosive freshman receiver Ryan Williams, veteran O-linemen, and a defense shifting to a swarming 4‑2‑5 . The Tide needs a quarterback who fits that offense—not just athletically, but mentally. And that’s where Simpson has earned trust.
In short, Grubb’s faith in Simpson comes down to four key factors:
- Experience and continuity – three years in the program, two under DeBoer/Grubb.
- Ball security and efficiency – evident in spring practices.
- Leadership and maturity – vital for quarterbacking a complex offense.
- Internal endorsement – clear communication to the room that Simpson leads.
That aligned trust gives Simpson a real edge, and until Mack or Russell can clearly match—or surpass—those traits over the summer, it’s hard to dismiss his lead.
Still, Grubb is careful to preserve competition: “We don’t really deal in absolutes until we have to,” he said in June, giving Mack and Russell a defined timeline to make their case .
As fall camp draws nearer, attention will swing to how Simpson translates his spring form into live game reps, how Mack polishes his consistency, and how quickly Russell acclimates. The opener at Florida State on August 30 looms large—a prime test for whoever wins the QB job .
What’s undeniable is that Ryan Grubb has made a calculated—and public—bet on Simpson. And it’s backed by evidence, insight, and preparation, not just hype.
What to watch this summer and fall:
- Simpson: Can he maintain his spring ball integrity in scrimmages and camp? Does his in-game decision-making remain polished?
- Mack: Will his poise and arm strength translate to system mastery? Can he challenge Simpson’s timing?
- Russell: How quickly can he refine his mechanics and understanding of the offense?
By opening camp with Simpson slightly ahead—while transparently keeping it open—Grubb has set the narrative: yes, Simpson leads, but the position still demands competition. That balancing act shows both confidence and accountability.
So as Alabama builds toward kickoff, its QB picture remains defined—but not sealed. Simpson holds the lead for now, riding on demonstrated growth, trust, and system fluency. But if summer performances tip in favor of Mack or Russell, expect that lead to be tested.
Regardless, one fact is clear: Ryan Grubb believes in Ty Simpson. And with an offense aimed at precision and tempo, that belief could make Simpson the glue in Alabama’s pursuit of ninth SEC championship and playoff dominance.
In conclusion, Ryan Grubb’s candid confidence in Ty Simpson isn’t idle optimism—it stems from meaningful assessment, internal team dynamics, and Simpson’s measured progress. It’s why, as training camp approaches, Simpson stands as the frontrunner to lead the Crimson Tide—but not without facing an open, rigorous challenge from gifted teammates. And that setup may prove necessary for Alabama to maximize its potential in 2025.
