Alabama Offensive Coordinator Reveals Front-Runner in Crimson Tide’s Three-Way Quarterback Competition
The Alabama Crimson Tide, one of college football’s most storied programs, is no stranger to high-stakes quarterback battles. This offseason has been no exception, as fans, analysts, and insiders have kept a close eye on the three-way competition unfolding in Tuscaloosa. With a legacy of elite quarterbacks who have led the Tide to championships, from A.J. McCarron to Tua Tagovailoa to Bryce Young, the stakes are as high as ever. Recently, Alabama’s new offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, provided significant insight into where the battle currently stands. His remarks have given fans and pundits alike a clearer picture of who might take the reins of the Alabama offense when the season kicks off.
Alabama entered this offseason with uncertainty at the quarterback position after the departure of Jalen Milroe, who transferred following the 2024 campaign. That left the Tide with a trio of highly talented but relatively untested signal-callers vying for the starting job: Ty Simpson, Dylan Lonergan, and Austin Mack. Each brings his own skill set, personality, and strengths to the table, making this one of the most compelling quarterback competitions in recent Alabama history.
Ty Simpson, a former five-star recruit, entered the program with lofty expectations. The Tennessee native has long been viewed as a prototypical Alabama quarterback. Simpson combines athleticism, a quick release, and a high football IQ with the kind of poise under pressure that has defined great Tide quarterbacks in the past. Despite limited action last season, Simpson showed flashes of brilliance in mop-up duty and during practice sessions that earned praise from coaches. His familiarity with Alabama’s system and his natural leadership qualities have made him a favorite among teammates and fans alike.
Dylan Lonergan, another highly touted prospect, brings a different dimension to the competition. Known for his cannon arm and impressive pocket presence, Lonergan has the kind of physical tools that can make offensive coordinators salivate. During spring practice and early fall camp, Lonergan demonstrated an ability to stretch the field vertically, delivering deep strikes that kept defensive backs on their heels. While still refining aspects of his game, such as timing on intermediate routes and footwork under duress, Lonergan has impressed with his steady improvement and his willingness to absorb coaching.
Then there is Austin Mack, a dark horse in the competition but one who has steadily gained momentum as practices have progressed. Mack’s mobility, creativity outside the pocket, and fearlessness have drawn comparisons to some of the more dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in recent memory. Though he entered the competition with less fanfare than Simpson or Lonergan, Mack’s work ethic and flashes of playmaking ability have ensured that he remains firmly in the mix.
Throughout spring ball and the early stages of summer workouts, head coach Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb have emphasized the importance of competition at every position, but nowhere has that competition been more intense than under center. Grubb, who joined Alabama after a successful stint as the offensive coordinator at Washington, has brought with him a reputation for innovation, precision, and quarterback development. His system places a premium on quick decision-making, accuracy, and the ability to exploit defensive mismatches — all traits that he believes his starting quarterback must embody.
In his most recent comments to the media, Grubb offered perhaps the clearest indication yet of where the competition stands. Without officially naming a starter — a decision that likely will not come until the Tide is well into fall camp — Grubb praised Ty Simpson for his command of the offense, consistency, and leadership. According to Grubb, Simpson has shown a level of maturity and grasp of the playbook that has set him apart in practices.
“Ty’s done a really good job of taking ownership of the offense,” Grubb said. “He’s showing the kind of composure, awareness, and decision-making we’re looking for. It’s still a competition, but he’s definitely positioned himself well with the way he’s prepared and performed.”
Grubb went on to note that Simpson’s ability to quickly process defensive looks, get the ball out on time, and keep drives on schedule has been a major asset. The offensive coordinator highlighted one particular scrimmage where Simpson led multiple scoring drives, showing not just skill but also the kind of intangible qualities — poise, resilience, and leadership — that are critical for success at the quarterback position in the SEC.
That said, Grubb was quick to emphasize that the competition is far from over. Both Lonergan and Mack have continued to push Simpson and have had standout moments of their own. Lonergan’s arm talent, in particular, has kept defensive coordinators on their toes during practice sessions, while Mack’s mobility has added a different dimension that has forced the coaching staff to consider various offensive wrinkles.
Grubb praised Lonergan’s development, stating, “Dylan has a special arm. There’s no question about that. The key for him is continuing to work on the details — footwork, timing, and making sure we’re maximizing every rep. He’s shown that he can make the big-time throws. Now it’s about consistency.”
As for Mack, Grubb acknowledged the spark he brings to the offense. “Austin’s a competitor. He’s the kind of kid who, when things break down, can make something happen. We’ve seen him extend plays, keep his eyes downfield, and give us that extra element of unpredictability. He’s a guy we’re excited about, and he’s absolutely made this decision tough for us.”
The quarterback battle is not merely a question of individual talent but also about fit — how each player’s skill set meshes with Grubb’s offensive vision and the strengths of Alabama’s supporting cast. With an offensive line that returns several key starters, a stable of explosive running backs, and a receiving corps that features a mix of experienced veterans and emerging stars, the Tide offense has the pieces in place to be potent. The task now is to identify the quarterback who can best orchestrate that unit and keep Alabama in the hunt for SEC and national titles.
Alabama fans are well aware that success at quarterback can be the difference between a good season and a championship one. In recent years, Tide quarterbacks have been expected not only to manage games but also to elevate the offense and deliver in critical moments. The upcoming decision will not be taken lightly by the coaching staff, nor will it be rushed. Grubb and DeBoer have made clear that the goal is to find the quarterback who gives Alabama the best chance to win — not just in Week 1, but deep into the season and potentially the College Football Playoff.
As the summer progresses, the intensity of the competition is expected to increase. With fall camp approaching, scrimmages, situational drills, and joint practices will provide further opportunities for each quarterback to stake his claim. Grubb indicated that while Simpson currently leads the pack, the door remains open for Lonergan or Mack to make a surge. The coaching staff is determined to foster a competitive environment that brings out the best in all three quarterbacks.
Off the field, the battle has also captured the imagination of the Alabama faithful. Message boards, social media, and sports talk shows have been abuzz with speculation, analysis, and debate. Fans have dissected every comment from coaches, every snippet of practice footage, and every rumor from inside the program. For Alabama, where football is more than just a game, the quarterback competition is a storyline that resonates deeply, a reflection of the program’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
What is certain is that the ultimate starter will have earned the position through a rigorous, merit-based process. Grubb’s comments make it clear that while Simpson may be the current front-runner, the coaching staff remains committed to evaluating every practice, every rep, and every decision on the field. The competition, as Grubb put it, “is bringing out the best in all these guys,” and that, in turn, is making the entire team stronger.
In the end, Alabama’s quarterback decision will be about more than just who looks good in practice. It will be about trust — the trust of the coaches in their quarterback to execute the offense at a high level, the trust of teammates in their leader on the field, and the trust of fans in the program’s ability to continue its tradition of excellence. With the season fast approaching, the focus now turns to who will seize the moment, rise to the challenge, and lead the Crimson Tide into what promises to be another thrilling chapter in the storied history of Alabama football.
