Where Do Things Stand With the Alabama Quarterback Battle?

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama quarterback battle rages on as day two of spring practice wrapped up on Tuesday morning, with Austin Mack and Keelon Russell competing to be the third starter under head coach Kalen DeBoer in his third season with the Crimson Tide. Mack and Russell both competed with former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson last season, with Simpson winning the battle during fall camp.

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Both quarterbacks saw time in games last season, and while the listed depth chart always had an "OR" listed at the backup position, Mack was consistently the quarterback to take the field when Simpson wasn't in the game, followed by Russell in two games against ULM and Eastern Illinois. During his Tuesday media availability, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said both Mack and Russell were "light years" ahead of where they were last season when Simpson won the battle.

"You can tell that they've had a number of reps from the last year under their belt, playing with some confidence, calling the play in the huddle with confidence. Both of them lightyears (ahead) of where they were at a year ago, obviously, and they should be," DeBoer said on Tuesday. "So, the talent level, as far as that's concerned, is not a question. It's just a matter of them building the rapport with their skill around them, making the throws when they're there, feeling the timing and trust, and just feeling comfortable in the pocket. And that just comes with time, feeling comfortable with your offensive line doing the job up front.

“So, like what they've done through two practices, creating some good explosives on their end, good feel, working the mobility when they have to. And that's part of football, too. It forces scramble drills and things like that. When that does come up, that helps our defense, as well. So, I think they're really putting a lot of pressure on our defense. Our defense is doing the same to them.”

In six total game appearances between Mack and Russell last season, both players showcased arm talent and good mobility to take advantage of lapses in defensive schemes. Whichever player wins the starting job, it seems Alabama will be in good hands for 2026.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.