How Does Ryan Grubb Affect Alabama’s QB Battle?

Tuscaloosa, Ala. - The college football world exploded with important news on Sunday. In addition to more people departing Ohio State, Alabama was not to be outdone, hiring Ryan Grubb as the new offensive coordinator at Alabama late on Sunday evening.

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In addition to Alabama's hiring of Grubb, it was also reported the Crimson Tide's co-offensive coordinators last season would remain with the Crimson Tide, but in different roles than what they had in 2024.

With the addition of Ryan Grubb and the presumption that Alabama's 2025 staff is complete, the eyes of the college football world, and those in Tuscaloosa, turn to the quarterback battle in Tuscaloosa.

What could the Ryan Grubb hire mean for the quarterback battle at Alabama?

It could mean an upper hand for one quarterback in the competition - Austin Mack.

Mack, a 6-foot-6, 236-pound quarterback from Loomis, California, was recruited by Ryan Grubb and Kalen DeBoer at Washington. His primary recruiter was Grubb, while he was the offensive coordinator for the Washington Huskies. Mack also reclassified from the 2024 recruiting class to the 2023 class, spending the Huskies' 2023 season as a redshirt freshman while Washington appeared in the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Austin Mack is the only quarterback on Alabama's roster who has experience working with Ryan Grubb.

Mack is now in year two at Alabama and year three in Kalen Deboer's offense. Meanwhile, Ty Simpson is in year two in Kalen DeBoer's offense, and Keelon Russell is learning the playbook for the first time. Russell's biggest concern is his size - 6-foot-3, 175 pounds. Can he earn the starting job while being that light? What happens if Russell suffers an injury?

Ty Simpson has been at Alabama longer than any other quarterback on the roster and was the backup quarterback for two seasons behind Jalen Milroe. Someone has to be out there in spring practice for practice No. 1 and rep No. 1—that person will be Ty Simpson. Will Simpson hold on to the starting job through spring practice and fall camp? That is yet to be determined. Simpson will have his fourth offensive coordinator in four seasons at Alabama.

2022: Bill O'Brien
2023: Tommy Rees
2024: Nick Sheridan
2025: Ryan Grubb

I still think Alabama's starter on August 30 against Florida State will be Ty Simpson, but the Grubb hire could be more interesting and potentially bolster Austin Mack's chances at the starting quarterback position.

Could Alabama also bring in a veteran in the spring transfer portal window? Potentially.

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.