Alabama OC Ryan Grubb Champions QB Room Depth: Praises Keelon Russell’s Poise, Austin Mack’s Pure Arm Talent, and Ty Simpson’s Command as Trio Leads Tide’s 2025 QB Competition
Ty Simpson currently holds the edge in Alabama’s quarterback race, but the real story coming out of Tuscaloosa is the dynamic, multi-faceted competition that’s brewing inside the Crimson Tide’s QB room. Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb recently shed light on the strengths of each quarterback in the race—Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell—and offered a detailed breakdown that goes beyond the surface stats or recruiting profiles. His message was clear: Alabama has not only depth at quarterback but also three distinctly talented athletes who each bring something unique to the table. And while Simpson may be the front-runner for now, both Mack and Russell are surging forward in their own ways, making this one of the most compelling quarterback competitions in college football heading into the 2025 season.
Grubb, who joined Alabama along with head coach Kalen DeBoer after their successful run at Washington, has a reputation for building high-powered offenses. At the core of that is his ability to develop quarterbacks. He knows what a great quarterback looks like, and he made it very clear that all three of Alabama’s top options are capable of leading the team—just in very different ways.
When it comes to Ty Simpson, the message from Grubb was one of trust and command. After an up-and-down start to his Alabama career, Simpson has emerged as the most consistent option under center. Grubb noted that Simpson operated the offense at the highest level during spring and summer practices. He was better at taking care of the football, better at recognizing coverages, and more effective at executing Alabama’s complex playbook. Grubb emphasized Simpson’s maturity and his growing leadership presence. As an older guy in the room, Simpson has begun to assert himself more vocally and lead by example in practices. According to Grubb, if Alabama had to play a game tomorrow, Ty Simpson would be the starting quarterback.
But this isn’t a one-man race, and Grubb was quick to explain that Austin Mack and Keelon Russell are closing the gap quickly. Both quarterbacks offer traits that could redefine Alabama’s offensive identity, depending on how the season unfolds. In Austin Mack, Alabama has a physically gifted quarterback with elite arm talent and size. Standing 6-foot-6 with a powerful throwing motion, Mack fits the mold of a prototypical NFL-style passer. Grubb described him as the team’s best pure thrower—someone who can deliver the ball with great velocity, precision, and touch. His ability to fit the football into tight windows and stretch the field vertically is unmatched in the room.
Mack, who transferred from Washington to follow DeBoer and Grubb to Alabama, is still catching up on certain parts of the offense. Grubb said that Mack is extremely intelligent and processes new information quickly, but he’s still working on letting the game slow down for him. That means making routine plays look routine, not always looking for the big shot, and reading defensive keys more consistently. Despite that, the ceiling is sky-high. Grubb noted that when Mack is in rhythm, he throws the football with the kind of effortless motion and touch that reminds you of what quarterbacks look like during NFL warmups. It’s a combination of power, fluid mechanics, and confidence. What Mack lacks in live game experience, he’s quickly making up for with reps and mental sharpness.
Keelon Russell, meanwhile, brings something altogether different. As the youngest of the group and a true freshman, Russell has surprised many with his rapid adaptation to the college level. Grubb didn’t hold back in his praise, calling Russell’s field vision “elite” and comparing his decision-making to that of NFL quarterbacks. For Grubb to say a freshman quarterback already sees the field like a veteran is no small compliment. He emphasized how quickly Russell processes defensive movement, how fast he identifies coverage indicators, and how smoothly he delivers the football. These are traits that don’t often show up in freshmen, especially not so early in camp.
Grubb even went so far as to say that Russell’s vision reminds him of Michael Penix Jr., the former Washington quarterback who finished as a Heisman finalist and was one of the most efficient passers in college football under Grubb’s tutelage. That’s a lofty comparison and one that speaks volumes about how highly the staff thinks of Russell. He’s calm in the pocket, poised under pressure, and accurate in short, intermediate, and deep throws. His release is compact and quick, his spin rate is high, and his ability to scan the field gives Alabama a quarterback who can potentially dominate with both physical talent and mental clarity.
What separates Russell from many other young quarterbacks is his composure. Grubb talked about how rare it is to find a player who not only understands the system so early but also remains calm in high-stress moments. That maturity could fast-track his development and give Alabama an intriguing option as the season progresses. Though he may not start right away, there is a strong belief inside the program that Russell could be Alabama’s quarterback of the future—and that future might arrive sooner than expected.
The dynamic within the quarterback room, according to Grubb, is both competitive and supportive. These three quarterbacks are pushing each other every day, but they’re also building each other up. There’s a shared understanding that iron sharpens iron, and each player benefits from the intensity and talent of the others. During fall camp, when Simpson was officially named the starter, Mack reportedly stood up and gave a heartfelt speech praising Simpson’s leadership and growth. It was a moment that reinforced the character of the room—this is not a group fractured by jealousy, but rather one strengthened by mutual respect.
Grubb and the rest of the coaching staff have made it clear that nothing is set in stone. While Simpson has the edge right now, the evaluation is ongoing. Each quarterback will continue to get reps, continue to be challenged, and continue to be measured by the same criteria: decision-making, command of the offense, and leadership. Grubb said those are the three non-negotiables for a starting quarterback at Alabama. You can have all the physical gifts in the world, but if you can’t lead, protect the football, and operate the offense efficiently, you won’t last.
That’s what makes this competition so compelling. All three quarterbacks possess something special—Simpson’s command and experience, Mack’s arm strength and intelligence, Russell’s vision and poise. Each one brings different tools, but they’re all striving to meet the same standard. And as the season draws closer, Alabama will need to determine which combination of traits gives them the best chance to win.
What’s also clear is that Alabama is in very good hands, no matter who takes the first snap. The program has managed to assemble a quarterback room that blends experience, youth, upside, and football IQ. It’s a luxury most teams don’t have. Grubb’s message wasn’t about crowning a winner but rather showcasing the depth, potential, and unity within the group. He spoke with conviction and insight, but he also made sure to keep the competition open—knowing full well that the long grind of a college football season can shift the narrative at any moment.
There may come a time when injuries, performance fluctuations, or unforeseen challenges force Alabama to turn to its second- or even third-string quarterback. If that happens, Grubb is confident the team won’t skip a beat. That’s the result of careful development, relentless preparation, and having three quarterbacks who are all bought into the system and the process. Simpson may be the present, but Mack and Russell are knocking on the door—and that internal pressure is making everyone better.
Alabama fans can take comfort in knowing that the quarterback room is not just in good shape—it’s a model of what every elite program strives to build. With Grubb guiding the offense, DeBoer setting the tone, and three quarterbacks pushing each other to new heights, the 2025 Crimson Tide offense is poised to be one of the most exciting and dynamic in the nation. Whether it’s Simpson’s steadiness, Mack’s firepower, or Russell’s brilliance that ultimately rises to the top, one thing is certain: Alabama has options, and every one of them is dangerous.
