Ty Simpson and Ryan Grubb: Catalysts for Alabama’s 2025 Season

The Alabama Crimson Tide has consistently been a powerhouse in college football under Nick Saban, but with change comes opportunity. The 2025 season for Alabama is no different, as they prepare to build upon their recent successes with new faces emerging as crucial contributors. Two such individuals, Ty Simpson and Ryan Grubb, are poised to make significant impacts on Alabama’s campaign. Whether it’s on the field or from the sidelines, their influence will play an instrumental role in Alabama’s quest for another national title.

Ty Simpson: A Quarterback Ready to Lead

Ty Simpson, a former five-star recruit, has been a highly anticipated player for Alabama since he committed to the program in 2022. Coming out of Westview High School in Jackson, Tennessee, Simpson was lauded for his arm strength, mobility, and football IQ. Now, as Alabama’s presumed starting quarterback for the 2025 season, he finds himself in a unique position. With the departure of Bryce Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner and NFL draft pick, the quarterback competition at Alabama has been fierce. Simpson’s time has finally arrived, and all eyes will be on him to see if he can fill the massive shoes left by Young.

The Pressure of Following in Elite Footsteps

It’s no secret that Alabama has been blessed with an exceptional line of quarterbacks. From Greg McElroy to AJ McCarron, and then to Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, Mac Jones, and finally Bryce Young, Alabama quarterbacks have historically performed at a high level. This tradition creates an unrelenting pressure for any quarterback stepping onto the field in Tuscaloosa.

However, Ty Simpson is not just any quarterback. He is a natural leader who possesses the tools to thrive in Alabama’s offense. Simpson is known for his ability to read defenses, deliver tight throws, and make plays outside the pocket. While many of his predecessors at Alabama were known for their pocket passing, Simpson brings an additional dimension with his mobility, which allows him to extend plays and be a threat both in the air and on the ground.

Simpson’s Skill Set

At 6’2″ and 215 pounds, Simpson combines prototypical size with athleticism. His throwing mechanics are smooth, and he possesses a live arm capable of making all the throws required in an SEC offense. One of his standout traits is his ability to throw deep with accuracy, which will be crucial for Alabama’s vertical passing game. Additionally, his ability to move in the pocket and evade pressure will be invaluable in SEC play, where defensive fronts can be overwhelming.

Despite his impressive skill set, Simpson must prove that he can handle the pressure of leading an elite program in one of the toughest conferences in the country. He will need to develop chemistry with Alabama’s receiving corps, some of whom will be relatively new to starting roles. His ability to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers will be key to Alabama’s offensive success.

Ryan Grubb: A Mastermind in the Offensive Playbook

Alabama’s offense will also benefit from the presence of Ryan Grubb, who joined the program as offensive coordinator. Grubb, previously the offensive coordinator at the University of Washington, is known for his innovative and balanced offensive schemes. Under Grubb’s leadership, Washington’s offense flourished, particularly in the passing game, where the Huskies became one of the most dynamic offenses in the nation.

Grubb’s Offensive Philosophy

Grubb’s offensive philosophy is built on balance. While he certainly believes in taking shots downfield, he also understands the importance of a strong running game to keep defenses honest. At Washington, Grubb was able to effectively use the run-pass option (RPO) and quick passing game to exploit defensive weaknesses. At Alabama, he will bring this same philosophy to the table, but with the added benefit of a roster full of elite talent.

The most exciting aspect of Grubb’s arrival at Alabama is his ability to develop quarterbacks and build offenses that can adapt to the strengths of his players. Grubb has a reputation for developing quarterbacks and understanding their unique skill sets. Whether it’s maximizing Ty Simpson’s mobility or creating a scheme to suit his strengths, Grubb’s ability to tailor the offense will be a crucial factor in Alabama’s success.

Maximizing Ty Simpson’s Potential

One of Grubb’s primary tasks will be maximizing Ty Simpson’s potential. Simpson’s dual-threat abilities should complement Grubb’s offense well, as he is able to run both a traditional pro-style offense and one that features an RPO system. Grubb has been known to install creative play designs that allow his quarterbacks to make quick, decisive reads, something that will be invaluable to Simpson as he transitions into the starting role.

In Washington, Grubb’s offenses were efficient in both the run and pass games, a balanced approach that made it difficult for defenses to predict what would come next. Grubb’s commitment to running the football, along with his ability to mix in play-action and short-to-intermediate passing, should work well with Alabama’s wealth of talented running backs. If Grubb can find the right balance between his rushing attack and passing game, Alabama could field one of the most dynamic offenses in the country.

Impact on Alabama’s 2025 Campaign

With Ty Simpson at quarterback and Ryan Grubb at the helm of the offense, Alabama’s 2025 season could look quite different from previous years, but in a way that could lead to even more success.

Adjusting to a New Offensive Identity

Under previous offensive coordinators like Steve Sarkisian and Bill O’Brien, Alabama has traditionally relied on a more pro-style, drop-back passing attack. While these offenses were successful, they were not always the most exciting or explosive. Grubb, however, brings a modern, more balanced approach to the offense. His RPO-heavy scheme will likely take full advantage of Simpson’s dual-threat ability, providing Alabama with a more dynamic offensive attack that will keep defenses on their toes.

By blending a fast-paced passing attack with a strong running game, Alabama’s offense will be more unpredictable than in past seasons. This unpredictability will make it difficult for opponents to prepare, especially when you have a quarterback like Simpson who can both distribute the ball and make plays with his legs.

Competing in the SEC

The SEC is notoriously tough, and while Alabama remains one of the top teams in the league, they will face stiff competition from schools like Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee. However, with a quarterback like Ty Simpson and an offensive coordinator like Ryan Grubb, Alabama’s offense could have the edge it needs to outpace their rivals. The ability to run and pass effectively will help Alabama stay competitive against teams with elite defenses, which are the hallmark of the SEC.

Defensively, Alabama remains one of the top units in college football. With an explosive offense led by Simpson and Grubb, Alabama could develop into a more complete team, with both sides of the ball complementing each other. Grubb’s experience in crafting offensive game plans against top-tier defenses in the Pac-12 will also prove invaluable as he faces some of the best defenses in the nation within the SEC.

Long-Term Impact on the Program

The 2025 season is just one chapter in a longer story, but Simpson and Grubb’s contributions could lay the foundation for Alabama’s future. As Ty Simpson matures in his role as the leader of the offense, his development could help solidify Alabama’s position as the top quarterback destination in college football. Likewise, Ryan Grubb’s tenure as offensive coordinator could signal the beginning of a new era in Alabama football, one where a more dynamic and unpredictable offensive scheme becomes the norm.

If Grubb’s offense is as successful as anticipated, it will not only elevate the Crimson Tide’s offense but also attract more high-level recruits to Alabama. Grubb’s track record with quarterbacks and his innovative approach to offense will make Alabama an even more appealing destination for top talent, both on the field and in the coaching ranks.

As Ty Simpson steps into the role of starting quarterback and Ryan Grubb assumes the position of offensive coordinator, both are set to have a profound impact on Alabama’s 2025 season. Simpson’s dual-threat capabilities and Grubb’s balanced, innovative offense will work in tandem to create a potent attack that will challenge defenses throughout the SEC. With their leadership, Alabama’s offense will evolve into a more dynamic and unpredictable force, potentially making the Crimson Tide the most dangerous team in college football this season.

As always, Alabama’s goal will be to contend for a national championship, and with Ty Simpson under center and Ryan Grubb at the helm, they have the pieces in place to do just that. The 2025 season is shaping up to be a thrilling ride for Alabama, one that could end with another SEC title and a shot at a national championship. If Simpson and Grubb can perform to their full potential, Alabama will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.