Alabama’s Quarterback Battle: Austin Mack vs. Keelon Russell Sets the Stage for Another Crimson Tide Showdown
In Tuscaloosa, the quarterback room is once again the center of attention - and for good reason. With Ty Simpson off to chase his NFL dreams after a one-year run as Alabama’s starting quarterback, the Crimson Tide are back in familiar territory: another offseason, another high-stakes QB competition.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer made it clear this week - there’s no early favorite. Not yet, anyway. The battle between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell is officially on, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines of Alabama’s 2026 campaign.
“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.”
And that’s exactly what’s going to happen. Spring ball, summer workouts, fall camp - every rep is going to matter. This will be Alabama’s third straight year with a quarterback competition, and while that might sound like instability on paper, it’s also a testament to the depth and talent the Tide continue to stockpile at the position.
Two Talents, Two Very Different Paths
Let’s start with Austin Mack. The 6-foot-6, 235-pound redshirt sophomore has been around the program longer - this will be his fourth year in the system.
That experience matters, especially in a scheme that demands timing, precision, and a deep understanding of how to dissect defenses. He’s not just a big body with a big arm - he’s shown flashes of poise when called upon.
We saw it against Indiana - the eventual national champions - when Mack stepped in and completed 11 of 16 passes for 103 yards. That wasn’t mop-up duty; that was real, meaningful football against elite competition.
He followed that up with efficient outings against Louisiana Monroe (8-for-10, 2 TDs) and Eastern Illinois (5-for-5, 45 yards). Small sample sizes, sure, but the efficiency and command were hard to ignore.
Then there’s Keelon Russell - the electric former 5-star recruit out of Duncanville, Texas, and the highest-rated prospect in Alabama history. He’s already turning heads in Tuscaloosa, and it’s not just because of his recruiting pedigree.
Russell made his debut look easy, torching Louisiana Monroe in limited action with 65 yards and two scores on just six attempts. He followed that up by going 7-for-9 for 78 yards in his second appearance.
Russell plays with a confidence that’s rare for a true freshman, and it’s easy to see why fans are already buzzing about his potential. He’s got the arm, the mobility, and the charisma - the kind of traits that can energize an offense and a fanbase.
What DeBoer and Grubb Are Looking For
DeBoer isn’t tipping his hand, but he did offer some insight into what will ultimately separate one quarterback from the other.
“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.”
Translation: this isn’t about who looks best in 7-on-7 drills or who throws the prettiest deep ball. It’s about who can run the offense - move the chains, protect the football, and get the most out of the weapons around them. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will play a big role here too, entering his second year in Tuscaloosa with a better feel for the personnel and how to tailor the scheme accordingly.
The coaching staff isn’t just looking for a quarterback - they’re looking for a leader. Someone who can command the huddle, make the right checks at the line, and deliver in the clutch when the lights are brightest.
Both Mack and Russell have the raw tools. Now it’s about execution, consistency, and who proves they can do it over the long haul.
The Road to September 5th
With the season opener against Eastern Carolina looming on September 5th, this competition is going to dominate headlines and conversations in Alabama for the next six-plus months. Every practice report, every scrimmage stat, every quote from DeBoer or Grubb will be dissected for clues.
There’s no shortage of intrigue. Mack brings experience, size, and a steady hand.
Russell brings electricity, upside, and the kind of swagger that can’t be taught. Both have shown enough to make this a real competition, not just a formality.
And that’s exactly what Alabama wants. Iron sharpens iron, and this quarterback battle could very well shape the identity of the 2026 Crimson Tide.
So buckle up. The next great Alabama quarterback might just be emerging right before our eyes - we just don’t know which one it is yet.