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Ryan Grubb Names the Front-Runner for Starting Quarterback Position Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dean Koutouratsas | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 2:06 PM ET

The Kalen DeBoer-led Alabama Crimson Tide might have found their new starting quarterback following Jalen Milroe’s departure.

Milroe, 22, played four seasons in Tuscaloosa and started under center from 2023-24. In his senior season, he passed for 2,844 yards and 16 touchdowns to 11 interceptions.

He also rushed for 726 yards and 20 touchdowns before declaring for April’s NFL draft and being selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round with the 92nd overall pick. With Milroe gone, DeBoer has initiated a three-way quarterback battle to determine the next starter.

The contestants are redshirt junior Ty Simpson, freshman Austin Mack and incoming freshman and 5-star recruit Keelon Russell. Following a grueling period of training and evaluations, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and DeBoer named the current frontrunner.

“Ty took care of the football better,” Grubb said. “He operated better. I thought he improved as an older quarterback, especially towards the latter part of the spring, when he started to show more of those characteristics.”

However, Grubb said the competition is far from over, and they plan to continue evaluating them throughout the summer.

“We’ll track every part of that with the guys and be very upfront in our communication with the guys,” he continued.

Alabama OC Ryan Grubb talks Ty Simpson and why he’s still considered the frontrunner in the Tide’s QB battle. https://t.co/ccZE9rUtwU pic.twitter.com/sLFd0i9cZd
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) June 12, 2025

Heading into this season, the Crimson Tide could be in a good position to succeed if Grubb and DeBoer continue the relationship they’ve had since leading the Washington Huskies to the 2023 National Championship game and a 15-1 record.

Furthermore, Alabama has high expectations with the new regime in place, with some believing they are a top-10 team entering the season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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