Alabama’s quarterback race is getting close to the finish line, and OC Ryan Grubb says a call could come early next week after the Tide’s second and final fall camp scrimmage on Thursday.
Grubb didn’t reveal which way the competition is leaning, but the chatter around camp still has Keelon Russell ahead of Austin Mack. Thursday gives Russell a chance to put the job away with another strong showing, while Mack still has time to climb back into it.
The freshman class is also starting to shape Alabama’s depth chart in other places, and one of the quiet risers has been running back Trae’shawn Brown. With EJ Crowell dealing with nagging injuries in both the spring and fall, Brown has grabbed more attention than anyone expected.
Grubb highlighted a part of Brown’s game that could help him earn snaps right away: "Much better pass protector than people would think," Grubb said. "They think because he’s short, but he plays down the middle of defenders; he’s got good feet, and he’s a smart kid.
Impressive young player.”
Up front, Alabama’s offensive line appears to be settling in after an uneven scrimmage last Thursday. Grubb said the group has stacked good days since then, and he was especially encouraged by what he saw on Monday.
"I thought they gelled really, really well today and ran the ball really well. Probably the best we have all camp, honestly," Grubb said.
The positive signs line up with what Joe Moore Award voter and former NFL lineman Aaron Taylor said after watching the unit live, when he praised new OL coach Adrian Klemm and declared, "Alabama will be able to run the football this year, full stop. That’s the headline.
The improvements year over year for what I saw in this unit after just watching them live for 2 hours with my own eyes is night and day."
On defense, Kane Wommack said Tuesday that two freshmen are positioned for roles in year one. Linebacker Xavier Griffin is being prepared to play, and he’s split time between work off the edge and with the off-ball linebackers.
His clearest route to early snaps looks to be as a pass-rusher in specialty packages. Safety Jireh Edwards is in a crowded room, but Wommack pointed to his blitzing ability and football IQ and made it clear he’ll see the field, with the amount depending on how the rest of his game develops.
Alabama also comes into the season ranked No. 13 in the preseason AP Poll, the program’s lowest preseason spot since 2008. The Tide were also two places lower than in the Coaches Poll, a number that should give Kalen DeBoer plenty to work with over the final stretch of camp.
There was some national recognition for the secondary as well. Senior Bray Hubbard landed on the preseason AP All-American first team at safety and is expected to play a major role for Alabama this season.
He’s also likely to be named a captain soon and could be used in a more versatile way on defense, starting at safety while sliding down to linebacker in certain sub-packages. Junior cornerback Zabien Brown made the second team and enters year three in Tuscaloosa with real momentum.
And on Tuesday, former Alabama running back Najee Harris found a new NFL home, signing a one-year deal with the New York Giants. Harris spent last season with the Los Angeles Chargers after four straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but an early Achilles tear ended his year and left his future uncertain. This new deal may be his final shot, and if he doesn’t deliver in New York, his NFL run could be over sooner than he expected.
In Other News...
Alabamas New Center Is Suddenly Key To A Big Offensive Reset
Alabamas offensive line makeover has put an immediate spotlight on Racin Delgatty, the Cal-Poly transfer who arrived through the portal to replace Parker Brailsford after his move to the NFL Draft. The senior center is part of a bigger reset up front, and the Tide are counting on him to help stabilize a unit that will be asked to do more than just protect the quarterback.
Delgatty has already drawn attention inside the program for the way he has added weight and strength since arriving in Tuscaloosa, crediting both the coaching staff and the nutrition program for the early gains. With new offensive line coach Adrian Klemm now steering the group, Alabama sees Delgatty as a key piece in improving the running game and giving the offense a steadier base in the middle. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Has Four Starting Jobs Riding On One Final Scrimmage
Alabama is heading into its third week of fall camp with a final scrimmage looming before the staff begins settling the two-deep for the season opener. Even now, there is still real sorting to do across the lineup, with key jobs unsettled at quarterback, offensive guard, offensive tackle and linebacker as the Tide tries to turn practice reps into a clearer depth chart.
The competition includes Keelon Russell and Austin Mack at quarterback, while Will Sanders, Mal Waldrep, Nick Brooks, Jayvin James, QB Reese and Luke Metz are all in the mix for other starting roles. Coaches have pointed to some players showing the way in their respective battles, but the last word is still set to come after the scrimmage, which should tell the staff a lot more about who is ready to open the year in front. [Read more 🡒]
Alabamas Quarterback Battle Is Nearing The Call That Shapes This Offense
Alabama is moving closer to the kind of quarterback decision that can define an entire fall, with Keelon Russell and Austin Mack emerging as the two players most likely to steer the offense into the 2026 season. The Crimson Tide are into the stage of camp where every rep matters, and with the opener against East Carolina set for Sept. 5, the clock is starting to tighten on a choice that will shape the rhythm of the offense from the start.
Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has signaled the process is nearing its end, while Kalen DeBoer has liked what he has seen as both quarterbacks have worked through scrimmage situations and shown growth along the way. For Alabama, the question is not just who wins the job, but who gives the Tide the best chance to settle in quickly before the season begins, and the final call now feels close enough that the rest of camp will be watched with a little extra edge. [Read more 🡒]