Ty Simpson is Alabama football starting QB. What’s next for Austin Mack and Keelon Russell?

Ryan Grubb doesn’t have to think about Austin Mack’s and Keelon Russell’s next steps in the Alabama football quarterback room. The Crimson Tide offensive coordinator knows exactly what they will look like.

Alabama has named its starting quarterback for the start of the 2025 season, handing the reins to redshirt junior Ty Simpson, who has sat behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe for the past three seasons. As Simpson takes command of the offense, Grubb still has expectations for Mack and Russell. They must continue to progress.

You have to find ways to generate, both coaching staff wise, to create looks and opportunities that those guys don’t just pause,” Grubb said. “Young quarterbacks that are really talented, like Austin and Keelon, what you don’t want is that a starter’s named and all this improvement that they have been making to this point just comes to a screeching halt. That part they understood. I know they are up to the task.”

Grubb said Alabama football has not named a quarterback behind Simpson on the depth chart, saying a hierarchy would only pigeon hole the room in terms of reps and development opportunities.

When reflecting on being named as Alabama’s starter, Simpson said both Mack and Russell were “really appreciative of me and congratulated me.” Both quarterbacks, Simpson said, made him better.