’He Led the Charge’: Ryan Grubb Explains Why Ty Simpson’s Poise, Decision‑Making, and Ball‑Security Earned Him Alabama’s QB1

When the announcement came that Ty Simpson had officially been named Alabama’s starting quarterback, the buzz in Tuscaloosa wasn’t just about who would be under center—it was about how he won the job. And when offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb finally stepped to the podium, what followed was more than just an explanation. It was a fiery, passionate, and deeply confident endorsement of a quarterback who, by all accounts, earned the position through grit, poise, and mastery of the fundamentals.

“Ty Simpson’s our starter,” Grubb said firmly, with a tone that felt like the period at the end of a very intense sentence. It wasn’t a soft roll-out or a vague coaching answer. It was the clear, confident voice of a staff that had seen enough—and knew exactly what they were doing.

The decision, as Grubb explained, wasn’t about hype or pressure or reputation. It was about results. Ty Simpson had performed. He had been consistent, composed, and sharp throughout fall camp. He’d made the plays, he’d avoided the big mistakes, and he’d shown—without a doubt—that he could be the one to lead Alabama into a new era of offensive execution.

Grubb made it clear: ball security was king. And Simpson? He protected the ball better than anyone in the room. “Ty did a really nice job of taking care of the football,” Grubb said. “He didn’t throw any picks last week. He’s thrown one all camp.”

That stat is more significant than it sounds. This time last year, Alabama quarterbacks had thrown about 15 interceptions in camp. This year, the total was four. That reduction didn’t happen by accident. It was cultural. It was deliberate. And Simpson led the way.

But don’t mistake caution for conservatism. Simpson wasn’t just checking the ball down or playing it safe. Grubb praised his ability to make plays while on the move, calling him a “great playmaker on the run.” He balanced aggression with intelligence. He showed that he could extend plays without forcing bad decisions. He showed, in Grubb’s words, “exactly what you want to see from an older quarterback.”

And that’s the thing—Simpson may not be the most experienced QB in college football, but he’s mature. He carries himself with the kind of presence that makes people listen. Teammates trust him. Coaches believe in him. And now, after a fierce and tightly contested quarterback battle, he’s the one everyone else in the building is looking to.

Grubb emphasized that the entire quarterback room had been strong. No one quit. No one backed down. But as the days went on, Simpson started to separate himself—not just with his arm, but with his mind. His reads were cleaner. His timing was tighter. And his decision-making? Rock solid.

For Grubb, it wasn’t just about who looked the best on highlight tape. It was about who could control a game. Who could see the field. Who could operate a system that thrives on rhythm, timing, and quick decisions. Simpson fit that mold. He executed consistently. He didn’t panic when the pocket collapsed. He didn’t lock in on one receiver. He ran the offense the way Grubb and head coach Kalen DeBoer designed it to be run.

And Grubb didn’t sugarcoat it—this wasn’t just a default choice. It was a reward for real performance. “I really felt he had shown enough through camp to be the dominant player in the room,” he said. “It was the best thing for the team to move forward and get the guys going.”

That’s a key phrase: get the guys going. Quarterbacks don’t just play—they lead. And Simpson has done exactly that. His teammates feel his confidence. They feed off his control. In the locker room, the film room, the huddle—he’s become the guy.

Grubb also spoke about the energy in the room when the decision was made. It wasn’t dramatic. There weren’t any arguments. There was a shared understanding. Everyone had competed, and everyone saw who had risen to the top. There was no resentment—just respect.

That matters. Because when a team believes in its quarterback, the entire dynamic changes. The offense becomes crisper. The communication gets faster. The trust level shoots up. That’s what Simpson brings—not just talent, but trust.

It’s also worth remembering that Simpson wasn’t even recruited by this coaching staff. He arrived at Alabama during the Saban era, and when the new regime came in, he could’ve easily transferred or stepped back. He didn’t. He stayed. He worked. He earned his spot all over again.

That speaks volumes.

Grubb praised that commitment. He talked about Simpson’s character, his steadiness, and the respect he commands without even trying. “He’s just much cleaner on the things you expect a quarterback to do,” Grubb said. That’s not just about mechanics. That’s about ownership. About maturity. About knowing how to handle pressure and still get better every single day.

And make no mistake—there was pressure. The quarterback battle was closely watched not just inside the program, but across the entire college football landscape. Alabama had slipped to No. 8 in the preseason rankings—its lowest in years—and with a new offensive system being installed, the need for a leader was urgent.

Simpson didn’t flinch. He didn’t fold. He focused, executed, and gradually pulled away.

Now, with the season opener looming against Florida State, there’s no more waiting. Simpson’s the guy. And the Tide are rolling into 2025 with a quarterback who might not be the flashiest in the country, but who understands his job better than most. Take care of the ball. Lead the offense. Make the right read. And when the time comes—make the play.

That’s what Grubb kept coming back to. This offense isn’t about doing too much. It’s about doing what’s needed—and doing it with precision.

Under DeBoer and Grubb, the playbook isn’t just creative. It’s sharp, clean, and ruthless in execution. There’s no room for chaos. There’s no tolerance for mental lapses. And that’s exactly why Simpson fits. He’s a technician. He’s efficient. He plays within the structure, but he knows how to create when necessary.

And now, for the first time since stepping foot in Tuscaloosa, he gets to lead.

That’s not just a big deal for Simpson—it’s a big deal for Alabama. Because for all the championship hardware in the trophy case, the program is entering a new chapter. No Saban. New staff. New play-caller. And now, a quarterback who reflects exactly what this new era is supposed to look like: smart, steady, and unshakably competitive.

Grubb didn’t need to sell anyone on Simpson. The message was simple: he earned it. With every rep, every read, every practice. There were no shortcuts. No guarantees. Just results.

And if you’re a fan of Alabama—or a fan of good football—you’ve got to respect that.

This wasn’t a decision made for headlines. It wasn’t about social media clips or hype reels. It was about trust. About winning the locker room. About proving, every single day, that you’re the one who can get the job done.

That’s what Ty Simpson did. And that’s why Ryan Grubb, a coach known for demanding excellence, stood up this week and delivered his most confident statement since arriving in Tuscaloosa.

“He led the charge.”

Now the rest of the team—and the rest of college football—gets to see what that leadership looks like on Saturdays.

Simpson isn’t just Alabama’s quarterback. He’s Alabama’s identity. And based on everything Grubb said, he’s earned the right to carry it forward.