Austin Mack’s Patience, Growth, and Readiness: Inside Alabama’s Backup QB Journey Ahead of the Rose Bowl
Three seasons into his college football journey, Austin Mack is still waiting for his moment - and he’s doing it with purpose.
The 6-foot-6, 235-pound quarterback has been steadily developing behind the scenes, first enrolling early at Washington in 2023 after reclassifying, then transferring to Alabama, where he’s now entering his second season with the Crimson Tide. And while he’s not the starter heading into Thursday’s College Football Playoff semifinal against No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl, Mack’s role as Ty Simpson’s backup is far from insignificant.
With the transfer portal set to open Friday, it’s only natural to wonder what’s next for Mack. But when asked about his plans for 2026 during media day in Los Angeles, Mack made it clear: his focus is locked in on the present.
“Honestly, I know a lot of people want to know that stuff,” Mack said. “For me, it’s taking it one day at a time and knowing that I still have a Rose Bowl game I’ve got to prepare for. I’m still being where my feet are and knowing that I’m one play away from playing that game.”
That’s the mindset of a quarterback who understands the weight of the moment. Mack knows that in a game of this magnitude - a CFP semifinal with national title implications - he’s just one snap away from being thrust into the spotlight.
And that’s why he’s not entertaining hypotheticals about his future right now. He’s preparing like he’s going to play, because he just might.
“It would be selling my teammates short if I was worried about stuff like that in such a big moment like this,” he added. “Knowing that if I do have to go out there, I’ve got to go out there and perform and do my job so we can eventually win that game. That’s really what I’m focused on right now.”
Mack’s development arc has been deliberate - and by design. This season, his first full campaign immersed in the Alabama system, he’s appeared in three games (Louisiana Monroe, Wisconsin, and Eastern Illinois), completing 13 of 16 passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns. He’s also added a rushing score, flashing a bit of the dual-threat ability that made him an intriguing prospect in the first place.
But beyond the numbers, it’s the intangible growth that stands out.
“I feel like my command of everything has really grown,” Mack said. “Whether it was the offense, being a better leader of the guys and kind of just being myself really. Whether it’s on the field, off the field - having that command a quarterback should have.”
That command has come through a full cycle of spring ball, summer workouts, and a demanding fall season - all while learning from the likes of Simpson and fellow quarterback Keelon Russell.
“Ty’s done a great job. Our coaches have done a great job.
Our QB room is really special,” Mack said. “Me, Ty and Keelon, it’s honestly been great.
Going through spring, summer, fall, I’ve learned a ton, whether it’s from Ty or Keelon even. Really it’s been learning and kind of just experiencing it all.
It was my first true season being in the whole thing.”
For Mack, the journey hasn’t been about immediate glory. It’s been about building a foundation - piece by piece - for when his number is finally called. That mindset dates back to his decision to reclassify and enroll early at Washington, and it’s carried over into his time in Tuscaloosa.
“Coming out of high school a full year early at Washington, I kind of knew my plan for myself was that I want to develop like Tom Brady,” Mack said. “I know everybody has a different path.
Ty has had his own path. I have had my own path.
Keelon has his own path. For me, it’s really just getting ready for that opportunity and knowing that when that time comes, I will be ready.”
It’s a mature approach in an era where quarterbacks often hit the portal at the first sign of competition. Mack’s playing the long game - and he’s doing it with intention.
As Alabama prepares to take on top-ranked Indiana in Pasadena, the spotlight will be on Simpson. But don’t overlook the guy behind him.
Mack may not have started a game yet, but he’s been preparing like a starter all season long. And if his number gets called, he’s ready to show the college football world what he’s been building toward all along.