Alabama’s Quarterback Battle: Austin Mack vs. Keelon Russell Set to Define the Tide’s 2026 Season
In Tuscaloosa, the quarterback room is once again the center of attention-and for good reason. With Ty Simpson off to the NFL after a solid 2025 campaign, Alabama enters the 2026 season with a familiar situation: another high-stakes quarterback battle. Head coach Kalen DeBoer isn’t ready to name a starter just yet, and he’s making it clear that this decision won’t come easy.
The contenders? Redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and rising sophomore Keelon Russell-two quarterbacks with very different paths, but equally compelling cases to take over the reins of one of college football’s most storied programs.
A Familiar Script, A New Chapter
This marks the third straight year Alabama heads into the spring with no clear-cut QB1. While some programs around the country already have their guy penciled in, DeBoer is embracing the competition, and he’s not rushing the process.
“I would say that you always love going into a season where you absolutely know who your quarterback is, but that won't be the case,” DeBoer told reporters Thursday night in Montgomery. “We'll let these guys battle it out.”
That battle, according to DeBoer, will stretch through spring, summer, and likely into fall camp. And while he’s not tipping his hand, he did offer some insight into what he and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will be looking for.
“Both guys have a year at minimum in our system, understanding what we're trying to accomplish,” DeBoer said. “We'll tweak what we do around their strengths and make the adjustments this year to what they can do, and what our other personnel can do.”
Austin Mack: The Veteran Presence
If experience is the edge, Mack holds the advantage. Now entering his fourth year in the system, the 6-foot-6, 235-pound California native has had time to grow and learn, and he’s shown flashes when called upon.
His most notable moment came in a high-pressure spot last season against eventual national champion Indiana. Thrust into action, Mack completed 11 of 16 passes for 103 yards-nothing earth-shattering, but enough to show poise and command in a tough environment.
He followed that up with efficient outings against Louisiana Monroe and Eastern Illinois, going a combined 13-of-15 with three touchdowns. While those came against lesser competition, the consistency and decision-making were hard to ignore.
Mack has the frame, the arm, and the familiarity with the playbook. Now it’s about proving he can put it all together when it matters most.
Keelon Russell: The Rising Star
Then there’s Keelon Russell-the electric freshman who turned heads the moment he stepped on campus. A former 5-star recruit and the highest-rated signee in Alabama history, Russell came in with sky-high expectations. And in limited action, he showed exactly why.
In his debut against Louisiana Monroe, Russell tossed two touchdowns on just six attempts. He followed that up with a 7-for-9, 78-yard performance later in the season, showcasing quick decision-making, accuracy, and a calm presence that belied his age.
At 6-foot-2 and hailing from powerhouse Duncanville High School in Texas, Russell brings a different dynamic to the position. He’s mobile, instinctive, and has that “it” factor that can’t always be measured in practice reps. The talent is undeniable-it’s just a matter of whether the staff believes he’s ready to lead now.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just a quarterback competition-it’s a tone-setter for the next chapter of Alabama football. DeBoer and Grubb are in their second year together in Tuscaloosa, and they’re looking for the right fit to lead a team that still expects to compete for championships, even in a post-Saban era.
The offense will be tailored to whoever wins the job, and DeBoer made it clear that scheme flexibility is on the table. But ultimately, it comes down to who can consistently move the ball and lead the huddle when the lights are brightest.
“These guys certainly have what it takes,” DeBoer said. “Now it's just a matter of who can do the best job of moving the ball up and down the field for us.”
The Road Ahead
With over six months until Alabama opens its season under the lights at Bryant-Denny Stadium against Eastern Carolina, there’s plenty of time for this competition to evolve. Spring practices will offer the first real glimpse into how each quarterback is progressing, and fall camp will likely bring the final verdict.
Until then, expect every throw, every rep, and every scrimmage to be dissected by coaches and fans alike. This is Alabama, after all-where the standard never changes, and the quarterback position is always under the microscope.
Whether it’s the seasoned Mack or the sensational Russell, one thing is certain: the next Alabama quarterback won’t just be stepping into a starting role-they’ll be stepping into a legacy.