Kalen DeBoer didn’t exactly slam the door on Alabama’s quarterback race at SEC Media Days, and that may be the biggest takeaway of all.
For weeks, the conversation around the Crimson Tide’s battle under center has tilted toward Keelon Russell, especially after his strong showing in the A-Day scrimmage in April. But DeBoer’s comments on Wednesday made it clear that nothing has been settled with fall camp approaching, and Austin Mack is very much still in the mix.
That’s a different feel from last year, when Ty Simpson wasn’t officially named the starter until a couple of weeks before the season, but the job felt decided long before that after spring practice. This time, the competition between Mack and Russell remains open.
DeBoer was careful to say both quarterbacks are capable of running the offense.
“Both of them are more than capable; I think they’re high-level elite QBs… and it’s going to be a competition that will lead to a tough decision," DeBoer said.
He also pointed out that Mack has two more years in the system than Russell, a detail that matters in a battle this close. And while Russell’s mobility has been a talking point, DeBoer gave Mack some serious praise there too, saying Mack’s legs would "surprise a lot of people."
That’s the part worth paying attention to. After spring, Russell got most of the buzz and looked like the natural favorite to take over. But DeBoer also noted after the scrimmage that Mack was dealing with a bit of a bump, which explained why Russell handled more of the reps.
The public conversation may have already handed Russell the job, but DeBoer’s message seemed designed to keep that from becoming reality too soon. Mack still has a real shot, and the coach made sure that was heard loud and clear.
The experience edge is real. DeBoer has spent three years developing Mack, and that familiarity matters. He trusts Mack to manage the offense, and that trust has been built over time with both DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.
Russell, on the other hand, has to earn that same trust. His ceiling is obvious, and his talent is undeniable, but DeBoer’s comments suggested the job won’t be awarded on upside alone. The freshman has to prove he can handle the full weight of the position and avoid the kind of mistakes that can swing tight games.
So while Russell may still be the popular pick, the race is not over. If anything, DeBoer’s words made one thing clear: Mack is alive in this competition, and Russell still has work to do before anyone can call this his offense.
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Kalen DeBoer Just Zeroed In On Alabamas Biggest Offensive Problem
Alabamas offseason conversation has centered on the same place it so often does when the Crimson Tide want to get back to their standard: the line of scrimmage. At SEC Media Days, Kalen DeBoer made it clear the staff is putting a premium on getting the rushing offense moving again in 2026, a priority that carries extra weight after a 2025 season in which Alabamas ground game never really found traction.
The numbers told the story, with the Tide averaging just 3.25 yards per rush and landing near the bottom of both the SEC and the national rushing charts. Alabama is hoping the answer comes from two directions at once, with current backs taking another step forward and incoming offensive line help giving the run game a better foundation, but the real test will be whether those pieces turn emphasis into production. [Read more 🡒]