Ryan Grubb Names the Front-Runner for Starting Quarterback Position Without Hesitation
The Kalen DeBoer-led Alabama Crimson Tide might have found their new starting quarterback following Jalen Milroe's departure.
Advertisement
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.'
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson is in a competitive battle for the starting job.Will McLelland-Imagn Images
However, Grubb said the competition is far from over, and they plan to continue evaluating them throughout the summer.
Advertisement
'We'll track every part of that with the guys and be very upfront in our communication with the guys,' he continued.
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.
Related: Big Ten Coach Put in the Same League as Nick Saban by Ex-Alabama Running Back
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
a few seconds ago
- USA Today
Cardinals RB James Conner likes to get downhill, not dance around
James Conner doesn't need fancy footwork to leave his footprints Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner finished the 2024 NFL season with 236 carries, 14th in the league, but he ranked No. 11 with a career-high 1,094 rushing yards and scored eight rushing touchdowns for the beloved Cardinals franchise. Whether offensive coordinator Drew Petzing prioritizes the run or makes the pass game primary, Conner will continue to train to be the endurance-built physical runner he has been heading into his ninth NFL season. Conner's play style doesn't make for the most astonishing of highlights, but defensive coordinators know they must account for him and his tenacious downhill running style. Conner could potentially be even more impactful if he begins avoiding attrition. Petzing can accomplish this by optimizing a dual-threat rushing attack, allowing second-year running back Trey Benson to be more involved. With eight touchdowns last season, Conner has shown his power and determination in the red zone and short-yardage situations. Petzing should note this and frequently defer to Conner when the Cardinals have red-zone opportunities. Rather than do all sorts of lateral dancing, Petzing can count on Conner to head north and south when his number is called in the offense and work as a feasible pass blocker when the team chooses to air it out. Ultimately, the Cardinals will want to continue using Conner in increments to keep the defense honest. If Petzing can mainatin a balanced attack through 2025, the Cardinals offense will be very difficult to defend. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
NBC Sports
2 minutes ago
- NBC Sports
Happy 100th birthday, Marv Levy
When it comes to Marv Levy, Father Time is far from an over-officious jerk. Levy turns 100 today. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, Levy's coaching career began 74 years ago, at St. Louis Country Day School in 1951. He landed in the college ranks with Coe in 1953. He was then hired as an assistant at New Mexico in 1954. Four years later, he became the head coach. After two years, he landed as the head coach at Cal. Four years later, he became the head coach at William & Mary. He arrived in the NFL as the Eagles' kicking coach in 1969. A year later, he was hired to coach the rest of the special teams, with the Rams. A year later, he went to Washington. His final game there was Super Bowl VII, where his unit accounted for the only points in a 14-7 loss to the 17-0 Dolphins. The CFL came calling in 1973; Levy took a job as head coach of the Montreal Alouettes. Five seasons (and two Grey Cups) north of the border opened the door for Levy to become an NFL head coach, with the Chiefs. He spent 1983 out of coaching before leading the Chicago Blitz of the USFL in 1984. After another year off, Levy was hired by the Bills. Which took his coaching career to new heights. Four straight Super Bowls. A spot in Canton. He'd stay with the Bills through 1997. Nine years later, he returned as the General Manager — at the age of 81. He spent two seasons in that role. Levy ranks 26th on the all-time wins list, with a record of 143-112 in 17 seasons.
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Former Kansas City Chiefs TE Baylor Cupp to sign with the Baltimore Ravens
The Kansas City Chiefs made a few moves after the 2025 NFL draft on May 1st to accommodate incoming rookies. Former Texas Tech Red Raiders tight end Baylor Cupp was one of the releases and has reportedly found a new home during training camp. According to a report from CBS Sports, Cupp is signing with the Baltimore Ravens as they deal with injuries at the tight end position. Starting tight end Isaiah Likely notably went down with a foot injury in camp, requiring surgery. Cupp appeared in one game during the 2024 season but primarily spent the year on the practice squad after initially signing as an undrafted free agent. During Cupp's two seasons at Patrick Mahomes' alma mater, Texas Tech, in 2022 and 2023, he appeared in 24 games, tallying 23 catches for 246 yards and four touchdowns. The Chiefs have seen immediate progress from their 2025 undrafted free agent tight end, Jake Briningstool. The rookie from Clemson has made impressive plays in camp and is considered a serious contender to make the final roster. This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Former Kansas City Chiefs TE to sign with the Baltimore Ravens
