Spring football can’t come soon enough at Alabama. As the memories of the Tide’s disappointing first season under Kalen Deboer fade, a new sense of optimism emerges.
The Tide’s swagger has been absent since last year’s Vanderbilt game, but the arrival of new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is reigniting enthusiasm among the Tuscaloosa faithful. Nick Saban actually tried hiring Grubb for his vacant OC spot before the 2023 campaign. He spent a few weeks in Tuscaloosa pondering the same offer from Deboer in January 2024 but ultimately decided to stay in Seattle and join the Seahawks. Now, Grubb is stepping into a familiar role and aims to replicate his success as Deboer’s second-in-command at Washington and Fresno State.
Ryan Grubb (r) will look to replicate the offensive success he’s had working with Kalen Deboer
Deboer’s offense faced challenges with consistency last season, relying heavily on Jalen Milroe for success. That will change this year. Grubb is focused on spreading the field and maximizing the talents of all his playmakers. The receiving corps will create matchup problems if they can stay healthy.
Ryan Williams is following in the line of great Tide receivers and is a scoring threat every time the ball’s in his hands. Germie Bernard is an elite route runner who can also stretch the field, and both will receive a significant boost from dynamic 6-foot-4 transfer Isaiah Horton from Miami. Freshman 6-foot-5 sensation Derek Meadows is also a strong contender for playing time.
In 2024, the run game was often underutilized and too dependent on Milroe’s legs. However, it is set for a transformation. With a robust lineup of running backs led by Jam Miller and Richard Young, the offense should be balanced and more productive.
Grubb met with reporters after the Tide’s second spring practice. When asked how he would describe himself as a play-caller this week, Grubb said, “Aggressive,” which has to be music to the ears of fans, players, and recruits.
Deboer faced a dilemma in 2024. When Saban departed, several key players immediately hit the portal, leaving Milroe behind. When Milroe announced he would stay, it stopped the hemorrhaging. Deboer’s unwavering loyalty to Milroe came at a cost, as he was reluctant to consider a quarterback change that many Tide fans were calling for at various points during the season.
With Milroe’s departure to the NFL, a wide-open QB race has begun. Ty Simpson, who has been waiting in the wings, seems to be the favorite, but five-star recruit Keelon Russell represents the future. Austin Mack was heavily recruited by Deboer, and he followed the coach to T-town for a reason. Grubb will keep his cards close to his chest until the end of fall practice, but expect Simpson to receive the early nod, with Russell waiting for his opportunity.
Ty Simpson, Keelon Russell, and Austin Mack will lead a balanced Tide attack
The Tide defense had some early inconsistencies, particularly in the second half against Georgia and in the Vanderbilt game. Defensive Coordinator Kane Wommack quickly improved the unit, creating a top-ten defense that kept the Tide in a few games down the stretch. Deontae Lawson will lead a strong linebacker corps, and returning players Keon Sabb and Domani Jackson bolster the secondary. There are concerns about depth up front that will need to be addressed in the spring.
In the spring, the Tide will work on establishing a clear offensive identity, with Grubb looking to replicate the success he’s had running Deboer’s scheme. The disappointment of 2024 is starting to fade with the waning weeks of winter. There’s a feeling that year one of the post-Saban era was a blip, and once again, there’s optimism in Tuscaloosa, at least for now.
Kalen Deboer is in year two at Alabama
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