Alabama’s quarterback competition gains attention as Ryan Grubb reunites with Kalen DeBoer on the Crimson Tide coaching staff.

Alabama’s hiring of Ryan Grubb as offensive coordinator reunites him with coach Kalen DeBoer, with whom he has collaborated for nearly a decade at Sioux Falls, Fresno State, and Washington, culminating in a College Football Playoff National Championship appearance at Washington in 2023.

fter initially joining Alabama’s staff ahead of the 2024 season, Ryan Grubb departed for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks but has now reunited with coach Kalen DeBoer at Alabama, where they face the pressing question of who will succeed longtime quarterback Jalen Milroe.
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Jalen Milroe has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft after two seasons as Alabama’s starting quarterback, leaving a significant vacancy in the SEC. His departure presents a major challenge for Alabama as it enters its second offseason under coach Kalen DeBoer.

Alabama boasts several quarterback options for the 2025 season:

• Ty Simpson: A redshirt junior and former five-star recruit, Simpson has served as Jalen Milroe’s backup, appearing in 12 games since 2023 with 381 passing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
• Austin Mack: A redshirt sophomore who transferred from Washington, Mack has one game of experience at Alabama, completing two of three passes for 39 yards and a touchdown.
• Keelon Russell: A highly touted five-star recruit from Texas, Russell brings exceptional athleticism and a strong high school record, including 3,483 passing yards and 38 touchdowns as a junior.
• The competition among these quarterbacks is expected to be intense as Alabama prepares for the upcoming season.
• Ty Simpson’s experience is valuable in the transfer portal era, and his commitment to Alabama since 2022 underscores his dedication; however, the starting quarterback position remains open and competitive.
• While Austin Mack lacks the extensive experience of Ty Simpson, he holds a significant advantage in his familiarity with Coach Kalen DeBoer’s system, having spent two seasons under his guidance at Washington. Mack’s dedication is evident; Coach DeBoer has praised him as “one of the hardest workers on the team,” noting his consistent commitment to improvement. This combination of system knowledge and work ethic positions Mack as a strong contender in Alabama’s quarterback competition.
• Austin Mack, a 6-foot-6 quarterback, was initially recruited by Ryan Grubb to Washington in 2023. When Grubb and Kalen DeBoer moved to Alabama, they selected Mack to join them in Tuscaloosa. Mack has developed his skills under the mentorship of Michael Penix Jr., a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Jalen Milroe, who is expected to enter the professional ranks soon.
  cbssports.com

  For a detailed analysis of Austin Mack’s potential as Alabama’s starting quarterback, you might find the following video informative:

• Alabama’s top offensive coaches hold Austin Mack in high regard, and despite his limited collegiate experience—having attempted only three passes over two seasons—he will compete with Ty Simpson for the starting quarterback position. The decision is expected to come down to Simpson and Mack, but true freshman Keelon Russell, a highly touted recruit from Duncanville High School in Texas, cannot be overlooked. Russell, ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the 2025 class, brings exceptional athleticism and a strong high school record to the team.
• Keelon Russell, a five-star recruit from Duncanville High School in Texas, brings exceptional athleticism and a strong high school record to Alabama. He completed 72% of his passes for 3,483 yards and 38 touchdowns as a junior, leading his team to a state title.
• Russell’s commitment to Alabama, despite significant NIL offers from other programs, underscores his dedication to his football career and the opportunity to develop under Coach Kalen DeBoer’s guidance.
• Keelon Russell, a five-star quarterback from Duncanville High School in Texas, arrived at Alabama as an early enrollee, positioning himself to compete for a significant role in the upcoming season.
• Alabama’s quarterback competition is wide open, with multiple talented candidates vying for the starting position. The outcome of this competition will significantly influence the success of the reunion between offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and head coach Kalen DeBoer.