There’s a quiet confidence building in Tuscaloosa - and it’s centered around the quarterback room. With Ty Simpson heading to the NFL, Alabama’s next chapter under center is starting to take shape, and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb likes what he sees.
Grubb, speaking at the Alabama Football Coaches Association convention, didn’t hold back when discussing the duo of Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. These two signal-callers are set to compete for the starting job heading into the 2026 season, and according to Grubb, Alabama already has what it needs.
“You know, our quarterback room in general, I think a lot of people were waiting to see what we would do in the portal,” Grubb said. “With Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, we got exactly who we need. They're two of the best quarterbacks in the country.”
That’s not just lip service. Grubb singled out Russell in particular - a redshirt freshman with a high ceiling - praising his field vision, mental makeup, and football IQ.
“His intelligence on the field is special,” Grubb added. That’s high praise from a coach who’s been around plenty of talented quarterbacks.
It’s not just Grubb who’s excited. Head coach Kalen DeBoer echoed the sentiment during a stop at a 2026 Senior Bowl practice. He called it “huge” that both Mack and Russell are staying in Tuscaloosa for another year - especially as the offense prepares to replace key leaders on the offensive line.
“Two guys that know our system at quarterback,” DeBoer said. “Just, again, with an offensive line that’s got some leaders that are gone, two quarterbacks that can carry over from last year, what we did and keep it moving forward.”
Continuity matters - especially in a program that’s undergone significant transition over the past few seasons. Mack and Russell may be young, but they’re not new.
They’ve been in the system, they understand the playbook, and they’ve built chemistry with the pieces around them. That gives Alabama a leg up heading into spring and summer camp.
And while the focus is on Mack and Russell, the future pipeline remains strong. Alabama added Tayden Kaawa and Jett Thomalla in the 2026 recruiting class - two more names to watch as the quarterback depth chart continues to evolve.
The Crimson Tide will kick off the 2026 season against East Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 5.
Between now and then, the quarterback battle will be one of the most closely watched storylines in Tuscaloosa. But if Grubb and DeBoer are right - and these two are as good as advertised - Alabama might already have its next leader under center.