Austin Mack may get his first real chance to put himself on the map for other programs when Alabama faces Vanderbilt on Saturday.
Keelon Russell won the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback job in camp, and that call has worked out for Kalen DeBoer so far. Russell has pushed Alabama to a 7-2 record through nine games and has delivered multiple second-half comebacks, including last Saturday against LSU.
But Russell’s ankle injury changes the picture heading into this week. He is listed as day-to-day, and DeBoer said Monday that Mack could be in line to play. Alabama may also choose to protect Russell and keep him out, especially with Vanderbilt on deck.
That would open the door for Mack, a junior who once arrived at Washington as a five-star recruit for DeBoer before following him to Tuscaloosa in 2024. At 6-foot-6 with a big arm, he still carries the kind of traits that make quarterbacks intriguing, even if his college résumé remains thin. He has thrown just 39 passes so far in his career.
If Mack gets the nod, the spotlight won’t just be on Alabama’s offense. Quarterback-needy teams around the country will be watching too, because this could be the kind of appearance that helps shape his next move. With Russell viewed as the long-term starter, Mack is almost certainly headed for the transfer portal this winter.
The talent has never been the question. In fact, plenty of people thought Mack was the favorite to win Alabama’s quarterback job heading into 2026. Russell’s mobility ultimately gave him the edge, especially behind an offensive line that has been shaky.
Mack may not carry the same hype he once did, but he remains a fascinating quarterback with a chance to break out next season if he finally gets meaningful reps this weekend.
In Other News...
Greg McElroy Just Gave Alabama Fans Fresh Playoff Ammo
Greg McElroy has given Alabama fans another talking point to carry into the College Football Playoff conversation, saying the Crimson Tide should land at No. 3 in the next rankings. The former Alabama quarterback pointed to the strength of Alabamas wins and the injury issues the team has had to navigate, a combination that gives supporters plenty of ammunition as the playoff debate starts to sharpen.
His take also puts Tennessee in the spotlight, with McElroy placing the Volunteers at No. 8 and leaving their path to the postseason tied closely to what happens in the games ahead. The reaction to his comments has already been lively, and for Alabama fans, it is the kind of outside validation that can fuel the argument even before the rankings are officially released. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Faces New QB Concern Heading Into Vanderbilt
Keelon Russells ankle injury is the latest thing Alabama has to monitor as it turns the page from the LSU win and starts preparing for Vanderbilt. Kalen DeBoer said the quarterback is day-to-day after getting hurt in the LSU game, but Russell still came back and finished with 206 passing yards and three touchdowns, a reminder of how important he has become to the offense.
For Alabama, the timing matters because there is little room for a lingering issue at quarterback with another SEC test coming up next. The update leaves the Crimson Tide with some reassurance after Russells strong finish against LSU, but it also adds a layer of uncertainty to a position group that can change the feel of the week in a hurry. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Still Waiting On Two Young Backs At Crucial Time
With the stretch run arriving, Alabama is still waiting on two young backs who could matter down the line. AK Dear and EJ Crowell remain limited because of health issues, and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said both are working their way back while stressing that neither is facing a season-ending injury. Neither player was available for the recent game against LSU, leaving the Tide to keep piecing together the backfield as the calendar tightens.
For a program that likes to have depth ready when the games get bigger, the timing is less than ideal. Alabama does not have to write either player off for the year, but it also cannot count on them yet, which makes every update worth watching. The next question is whether either back can get healthy enough to rejoin the mix before the season reaches its most demanding stage. [Read more 🡒]