Alabama's New OC Emphasizes Downfield Passing, Versatile RB Needed

As of August 19th, 2025, Alabama's new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is expected to implement a pass-heavy offense that focuses on the downfield passing game. This is according to comments made by former NFL player Roman Harper, who believes Grubb's offense will be more dropback-oriented than run-focused, despite Grubb's previous statements about prioritizing the running game.

The article suggests that while the running backs may see a slight uptick in carries compared to last season, the main emphasis will still be on the passing attack. This has led to speculation that Daniel Hill could emerge as the Crimson Tide's primary running back, as he is said to have great hands and the size to be an effective blocker.

Elsewhere, the highly anticipated quarterback battle between Julian Sayin and Ty Simpson has now shifted to Ohio State, where Sayin has officially been named the starter. Had Sayin not transferred, he and Simpson would have likely been competing for the starting job at Alabama this season. The success of Sayin versus Simpson will undoubtedly be a captivating storyline to follow throughout the year.

The article also touches on the ongoing debate around Kadyn Proctor's All-American status. While his improvement from 2023 to 2024 was staggering, the author is unsure if his on-field results have truly warranted a first-team All-American selection to this point. However, the potential for Proctor to continue his upward trajectory and cement his place as an elite player remains.