Austin Mack may be headed for a rare kind of showcase this Saturday.
With Keelon Russell dealing with an ankle injury from Alabama’s win over LSU and listed as day-to-day, the Crimson Tide could turn to Mack against Vanderbilt. Kalen DeBoer raised that possibility on Monday, and if Russell sits, Mack would get a real chance to run the offense in a game Alabama should be able to handle without its starter.
That matters because Mack’s future in Tuscaloosa looks increasingly uncertain. Russell won the quarterback battle in camp, and the decision has paid off for Alabama, which sits at 7-2 after nine games. He’s also delivered in big moments, helping the Tide rally in the second half multiple times this season, including last Saturday against LSU.
Mack, though, has a different kind of opportunity in front of him. The junior quarterback was once a five-star recruit for DeBoer at Washington before following him to Alabama in 2024. At 6-foot-6 with tremendous arm strength, he still carries plenty of intrigue, even if he has only thrown 39 passes in his college career.
If he gets the start, it could amount to an audition not just for Vanderbilt, but for the transfer portal. Russell appears to be Alabama’s long-term answer, which makes a winter departure feel likely for Mack. And with quarterback-needy teams around the country sure to be watching, Saturday could be his best chance yet to remind everyone why so many people once believed he could be the guy.
There was never any question about Mack’s talent. In fact, some had him as the favorite to win Alabama’s quarterback job heading into 2026.
Russell’s mobility gave him the edge, especially behind an Alabama offensive line that has been shaky. Still, Mack remains a compelling option, and one strong showing could put him back on the radar in a big way.
In Other News...
Tennessee Just Got A Mike Matthews Scare It Couldnt Afford
Tennessees offense took another hit Saturday when leading receiver Mike Matthews went down with a lower-body injury in the second quarter against Texas A&M and left the game on crutches. The sight alone was enough to raise alarms for a Volunteers team that has already spent much of the season navigating injuries and trying to keep its attack on schedule.
Matthews has been one of the most important pieces in Tennessees passing game, so any absence would carry real weight for an offense that needs him to stay on the field. For now, the only certainty is that the Vols are waiting on word about the extent of the injury, and that uncertainty hangs over a stretch where every healthy playmaker matters. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessee Has A New CFP Ranking Fight Fans Wont Like
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Committee chairman Hunter Yurachek pointed to Alabamas stronger strength of schedule as the explanation, but not everyone bought it. Former quarterback Chase Daniel said he was confused by the decision and disagreed with the committees logic, while both teams still have quality wins and losses that could keep reshaping the picture as the season plays out. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessee Suddenly Has A Surprising Team To Root For Saturday
Saturday gives Tennessee a second scoreboard to watch, and it comes from an unlikely place. While the Vols handle Texas A&M earlier in the day, No. 21 LSU will be hosting No. 6 Texas in a matchup that could ripple through the SEC title race and the College Football Playoff picture, with Tennessee's path shaped as much by what happens in Baton Rouge as by its own result.
An LSU win would do more than just add another ranked victory to the conference ledger. It would strengthen the Tigers' standing as an opponent and help clear some of the clutter in the SEC standings, which is exactly the kind of help Tennessee could use as it tries to keep its own playoff hopes and conference math in order. [Read more 🡒]