OPINION: Ryan Grubb did right by announcing Alabama starting OL

Photo comes via Kent Gidley of Alabama athletics

He did not have the most consistent play-calling in 2025, but one has to respect the way he tells things like it is and builds up the confidence of his players.

Ryan Grubb created a stir on social media in Thursday’s media availability following the third spring practice for Alabama football. The second-year offensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide got straight to the point in discussing the offensive line.

Ryan Grubb tells where Alabama quarterbacks stand after multiple practices

He shut down all thoughts of a competition at left tackle, stating redshirt freshman Jackson Lloyd is the guy and ‘it’s not even close.’

He is high on Michael Carroll at right tackle – regardless of his versatility to play anywhere up front – saying everything starts with Carroll and Lloyd. Grubb even praised Cal Poly transfer Racin Delgatty’s potential at center.

Some fans were pleased to see Grubb boldly call out what he saw, while others demanded Kalen DeBoer to silence his guy for giving away the sauce too early.

Many still believe in the Nick Saban approach of keeping things close to the vest and having an element of surprise; however, Grubb feels it is best to unveil information early – especially if the players have earned it.

Was Grubb right or wrong for naming starting OL early?

He is not wrong for what he did.

In fact, the 49-year-old should be commended for jumpstarting the chemistry for Alabama’s offensive line before fall camp. The Tide has yet to have a sound unit across the board since 2020, the last time it captured a national championship season.

It has been a game of musical chairs between coaches and players, and fans are fed up.

Adrian Klemm is the coach expected to produce change on the offensive front, yet Grubb is sounding the alarm on discussing the right players for the job early. Lloyd, a California native, may be the program’s best option at left tackle.

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If so, it is good for it to be announced in spring practice to get his confidence going and have one spot locked down. Carroll has flexibility, but having him solidified on the right side is a big deal. Alabama has its bookend tackles and center solved through three practices in spring camp is a good thing. Coach DeBoer mentioned the hunger these players had coming out of the 4th Quarter offseason program into spring ball.

These guys are about locking up spots and not having things flip-flop around.

Grubb’s approach was right, but let’s hope it translates well in the fall.

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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.