Alabama Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb Jokes About Urgency, Says He Wanted Starting Quarterback Named ‘Yesterday’ as Decision Looms
With the 2025 college football season rapidly approaching and Alabama’s high-stakes opener against Florida State just weeks away, one of the most pressing questions in Tuscaloosa remains unanswered: who will start at quarterback for the Crimson Tide? First-year offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, brought in by head coach Kalen DeBoer from Washington, was asked Thursday when he’d like to name the starter. His response was blunt, humorous, and revealing: “Yesterday.”
Grubb’s quip was lighthearted, but it underscored a real sense of urgency brewing inside the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility. With less than a month until the Tide face off against the Seminoles in Tallahassee on August 30, Alabama’s offense needs cohesion, leadership, and clarity—especially under a new system Grubb is implementing. The fact that the quarterback battle remains unresolved this late into the summer is both a sign of fierce competition and a reminder of the delicate balance between decisiveness and due diligence.
At the center of the quarterback competition are three names: sophomore Julian Sayin, redshirt junior Ty Simpson, and transfer addition Austin Mack. All three bring different strengths and weaknesses to the table, and each has had moments this offseason that have complicated Grubb’s timeline. Sayin, the highly-touted five-star from California, is perhaps the most naturally gifted of the trio. His ability to process defenses and deliver precise throws has caught the attention of coaches and teammates alike. Simpson, with more time in the program and game experience, offers maturity and mobility, along with flashes of big-play capability. Mack, a transfer from Washington who followed Grubb to Alabama, has the advantage of familiarity with the system and the trust of the staff.
Grubb’s offensive scheme—which emphasizes tempo, verticality, and quarterback autonomy—requires a signal-caller who is not just physically prepared but also mentally sharp. It’s not simply about arm strength or accuracy. Grubb demands a deep understanding of pre-snap reads, quick decision-making, and leadership in chaos. That’s part of what makes this decision so complex. “It’s not just about the guy who makes the best throws in practice,” Grubb said earlier this offseason. “It’s about the guy who can elevate the offense, command the huddle, and respond when things break down.”
Despite the light-hearted “yesterday” comment, Grubb and DeBoer are likely to make the call within the next two weeks. The longer the uncertainty lingers, the more difficult it becomes to tailor the offense to the strengths of the starter. Receivers and linemen need rhythm with their quarterback. Playbooks need to be adjusted. Game plans need to be built around tendencies. With Florida State looming—a team with a strong pass rush and one of the most experienced defenses in the ACC—Alabama simply cannot afford indecision.
Still, the delay in naming a starter isn’t necessarily a bad sign. It reflects the high standards of the new regime. DeBoer and Grubb inherited a quarterback room that was already brimming with potential, but not yet fully proven. The 2024 season saw Jalen Milroe depart for the NFL, leaving behind a vacuum of experience but a surplus of talent. Rather than anointing a successor based on hype or pedigree, the staff is intent on letting the process play out organically. “We want the guy who earns it,” Grubb emphasized. “Not the guy who was given it.”
In the eyes of many insiders, Julian Sayin remains the favorite to win the job. His spring performance, coupled with strong leadership in offseason workouts, has impressed teammates and coaches alike. Several receivers have privately noted Sayin’s attention to detail and relentless film study. But Simpson hasn’t made it easy. After a rocky start to his Alabama career, Simpson appears rejuvenated in Grubb’s system. Reports from fall camp suggest his decision-making has improved, and his ability to extend plays remains a major asset.
Then there’s the wildcard: Austin Mack. While he arrived as a presumed depth piece, his familiarity with Grubb’s playbook has made him a real contender. During early fall practices, Mack has reportedly shown command and poise, traits that are often difficult for new quarterbacks to exhibit so quickly in the SEC. Whether he can maintain that consistency as the intensity ramps up remains to be seen, but his presence has undoubtedly complicated the picture.
For Grubb, the stakes are high. This is his first year calling plays in the SEC, and he’s doing so under the brightest of spotlights. Alabama is not Washington. The expectations in Tuscaloosa are national championship or bust, and the offense will be scrutinized from the first snap. Grubb’s ability to identify and develop the right quarterback will go a long way toward determining the trajectory of Alabama’s season—and his tenure.
Meanwhile, the rest of the offense is ready. Justice Haynes is poised to become one of the top running backs in the nation, and the wide receiver room—led by Jalen Hale and Kendrick Law—is stacked with speed and versatility. The offensive line is experienced and has embraced Grubb’s emphasis on tempo and physicality. The only piece missing is the quarterback who can pull it all together.
The pressure is compounded by the nature of Alabama’s schedule. Starting the season against Florida State is a tall task for any quarterback, let alone one making their first collegiate start or first start under a new system. The Seminoles bring pressure, disguise coverages well, and thrive in creating confusion. That’s why Grubb’s desire to name a starter “yesterday” wasn’t just a throwaway joke—it was an acknowledgment that every rep matters and that time is running out.
Players within the program seem to understand what’s at stake. According to those close to the situation, the competition has remained healthy and professional, with each quarterback pushing the others while supporting the team. “They’re all helping each other,” said one assistant coach. “But make no mistake—they all want to start.”
Alabama fans, as always, are divided. Some are clamoring for Sayin, eager to see the five-star talent on full display. Others prefer the steady hand of Simpson or the system-savvy Mack. The fanbase’s desire for answers, however, doesn’t seem to be rushing the coaching staff. DeBoer, known for his meticulous preparation and even-keeled demeanor, is not one to panic. But behind closed doors, he and Grubb know the importance of getting this decision right. The quarterback who takes the first snap in Tallahassee could well be the one who defines the 2025 season.
This scenario mirrors similar moments from Alabama’s storied recent history. In 2015, Jake Coker emerged late in camp as the starter and went on to win a national title. In 2017, Jalen Hurts began the year under center, only to give way to Tua Tagovailoa in a title game masterpiece. In 2019, Mac Jones patiently waited behind Tua before taking the reins and delivering a Heisman finalist season. More recently, Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe faced immense pressure but rose to the occasion. The point is clear: Alabama quarterbacks may start with question marks, but they are often forged into answers.
For Grubb, that’s both a challenge and an opportunity. He’s not just choosing a quarterback—he’s shaping the identity of Alabama football’s next chapter. And for a coach who values precision and preparation, the decision can’t come soon enough.
As Alabama moves through fall camp, every throw, read, and rep will be scrutinized. Players will be tested in situational scrimmages, in closed-door meetings, and in the film room. The margins are razor-thin. One mistake could tip the balance. One moment of brilliance could seal the job.
Grubb’s offhand joke—“yesterday”—may become a footnote in the larger narrative of Alabama’s 2025 campaign. But for now, it perfectly captures the tension, urgency, and anticipation that defines the quarterback battle in Tuscaloosa. A decision is coming. And when it does, it won’t just be about naming a starter. It will be about setting the course for Alabama’s pursuit of another championship.
