Grubb has not been shy about who he feels is the leader in the race. After A-Day, the Alabama offensive coordinator said if the Crimson Tide were to play a game that next day, Simpson would be the starter. That same refrain has been repeated multiple times by DeBoer throughout the offseason heading into fall.

Grubb also praised true freshman Keelon Russell and redshirt sophomore Austin Mack, the other two quarterbacks competing with Simpson, who has been with the program since 2022.

After spring football, Grubb said that if Alabama were to play a game "tomorrow," Simpson, the redshirt junior, would be the starting quarterback. As fall continues, Grubb said that's a mentality Simpson must hold consistently if he wants to be named the starter full-time.