Major Update Emerges on Alabama’s Starting QB Battle
Austin Mack and Keelon Russell are competing for Alabama's QB1 job, and one passer seems to be standing out over the other.
As Alabama prepares for a quarterback battle following the departure of Ty Simpson to the Los Angeles Rams, two promising freshmen are vying for the starting position. Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, both highly-touted recruits, have been given the opportunity to showcase their skills during fall camp. Mack, a four-star passer and the 73rd-ranked player in the 2023 class, boasts an impressive completion rate of 74.3% with 267 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
On the other hand, Russell, a five-star quarterback who ranks second in the 2025 class and second overall in recruiting, has demonstrated his playmaking ability with multiple touchdowns and an interception in a scrimmage. While Mack has been consistently reliable, Russell has shown flashes of brilliance and a knack for extending plays with his legs.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer has not yet settled on a starter, stating that he needs more time to assess the competition. Mack and Russell will need to prove themselves on the field, as their performances in fall camp are expected to be a major factor in determining the eventual starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide.
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