Alabama’s quarterback room is starting to take shape under new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, and he likes what he sees.
With Ty Simpson declaring for the NFL Draft, the Crimson Tide are moving forward with two young signal-callers who could define the next chapter in Tuscaloosa: Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. Grubb, speaking at the Alabama Football Coaches Association convention, didn’t hold back on his optimism.
“With Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, we got exactly who we need,” Grubb said. “They’re two of the best quarterbacks in the country.”
That’s high praise, especially considering how little we’ve actually seen from either in meaningful action. Mack, the former Washington commit who followed Kalen DeBoer to Alabama, did see the field in that chaotic loss to Indiana, and while he showed flashes, there were clear signs of a young quarterback still finding his rhythm-particularly on short throws where touch and timing are crucial. Still, the tools are there.
Keelon Russell, on the other hand, is a bit more of a mystery. A redshirt freshman with elite pedigree, he hasn’t taken a meaningful snap yet, but Grubb spoke glowingly about his potential.
“Incredible vision, mindset, and just his intelligence on the field is special,” Grubb said.
That’s not just coach-speak. For a young quarterback to earn those kinds of reviews from a coordinator like Grubb-who helped mold Michael Penix Jr. into a Heisman finalist-it speaks volumes about Russell’s upside. The battle between Mack and Russell will be one of the most compelling storylines heading into spring camp.
Backfield Depth Gets a Boost
While the quarterback race will grab headlines, Alabama quietly added another piece to the offensive puzzle over the weekend: Khalifa Keith, a transfer running back from Appalachian State, committed to the Tide.
Keith’s college production has been limited-just eight rushing yards on three carries at App State-but he brings SEC experience from his two seasons at Tennessee. In 2024, he rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown in four games before preserving a redshirt. Across his time in Knoxville, he totaled 124 rushing yards and a score.
At 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, Keith is a physical presence who could carve out a role as a short-yardage option or even a fullback in certain packages. He’s not coming in to be the feature back, but in a room that’s always looking to stay deep and durable, he’s a solid insurance policy with upside. Plus, he’s an Alabama native, having played his high school ball at Parker in Birmingham.
Eyes on the Future: Monshun Sales
Looking further ahead, Alabama is firmly in the mix for one of the top prospects in the 2027 class-wide receiver Monshun Sales. The five-star athlete out of Lawrence North High in Indiana is ranked as the No. 2 wide receiver in the country and the eighth overall player in his class. And he’s got the numbers to back it up: 37 catches for 794 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior, plus 56 tackles on defense.
Sales has offers from the biggest names in college football-Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame-but his recent visit to Tuscaloosa may have struck a different chord. That’s because while he plays in Indiana now, he’s originally from Ensley, Alabama.
“The visit was amazing,” Sales said. “Definitely felt different being back home as a top recruit. This is everything I dreamed of when I was playing little league ball back in Ensley.”
Sales also highlighted how much Alabama is emphasizing wide receiver development under DeBoer and staff-a smart recruiting pitch considering the explosive passing attacks DeBoer has orchestrated in recent years. If there’s one thing this staff knows how to do, it’s develop and feature playmakers on the perimeter. And if Sales is looking to be the next great Alabama wideout, there’s a clear path for him to follow.
Tide in the Super Bowl Spotlight-Again
Alabama’s impact on the NFL isn’t slowing down anytime soon. With Super Bowl LX on deck, the Crimson Tide are once again guaranteed to add to their legacy on football’s biggest stage.
The program already claims 54 Super Bowl champions-more than any other school-and that number will grow this year, no matter who wins. Between the Seahawks and Patriots, seven Alabama alumni are on the rosters, ensuring the Tide’s presence will be felt in Las Vegas.
From Bart Starr and Steve Wright in the first two Super Bowls to Jalen Hurts and his Eagles teammates in Super Bowl LIX, Alabama’s pipeline to the pros continues to deliver. And with another crop of players set to enter the NFL this spring, that tradition isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Roll Tide, indeed.