The University of Alabama will feature a new starting quarterback and offensive coordinator for the 2025 season.
The return of Ryan Grubb to Coach DeBoer's staff as offensive coordinator reunites a highly effective offensive coaching team with a proven track record of success in both rushing and passing strategies.
Grubb will have the opportunity to choose the starting quarterback that he feels fits best in their scheme. Let's take a closer look at the quarterback room.
Ty Simpson (6’2” 215 pounds RS JR.)
Simpson has certainly waited for his opportunity. In a world where athletes transfer if they don't start in year one, Simpson has been patient and worked to develop himself.
A versatile, well-rounded quarterback, Simpson can stress defenses as both a passer and run threat. While he doesn't have the speed of a Jalen Milroe, he's quick enough and effective at scrambling and designed runs.
He possesses a creative, backyard style of play with considerable experience in making improvisational plays, as seen in the 2024 game against Mercer where he escaped a certain sack to complete a long pass.
He's also considered to possess adequate arm strength for most throws he would need to make. As the candidate with the most college playing experience, it's thought by most that Simpson is the early favorite to land the job.
Austin Mack (6’6” 236 pounds RS SO.)
DeBoer and Grubb recruited Mack to Washington and then brought him to Alabama, so he's clearly a talent they believe in.
With Mack's size and strength, he's an interesting prospect. Deboer has called him one of the hardest workers on the team, so that drive for success bodes well.
Mack is considered poised on the field and has shown intelligence in reading defenses and can make precise, accurate passes anywhere on the field.
Mack has already had a year under Grubb as an OC and knows the offensive system.
While inexperienced as a college quarterback, Mack has the size, talent, and knowledge to be a starter in the SEC.
Keelon Russell (6’3” 175 pounds FR.)
Russell is the highest-rated recruit ever signed by Alabama. Considering all the talent Alabama has had over the years and the fact that Alabama has had two of the best coaches in the history of college football, that is an impressive accomplishment for DeBoer.
Russell will need to add weight to his frame and would likely benefit from a redshirt year to learn in the system, but he's a special talent who likely won't be kept off the field for long.
He possesses exceptional athleticism, demonstrating explosive power, impressive arm strength, and remarkable agility. A collegiate scout offered this assessment of Russell: “A well-rounded, instinctive quarterback prospect with surgical passing ability, good athleticism, and a battle-tested résumé.”
Russell has all the tools to be a star quarterback in college football. While some time to add weight and learn the system would benefit his development, his raw talent, and tremendous upside may see him on the field sooner rather than later.
Prediction
I believe the starting quarterback for the opening game against Florida State on August 30, 2025 will be Simpson. Mack has the ability and could certainly push him. Russell is inexperienced in the college game, but his talent gives him an opportunity to see early playing time.