Connect with us
TDA+

Alabama Football Headlines

Austin Mack or Keelon Russell: Who’s the favorite in spring practice for Alabama’s QB race?

Photo comes via University of Alabama Athletics

Jalen Hurts versus Tua Tagavailoa was a must-see television drama of a quarterback competition at the University of Alabama in 2017, but will it be rivaled?

Alabama fans are in for a treat in spring practice as two highly talented dual threat signal callers will compete for the starting role in the fall. Austin Mack and Keelon Russell bring different skills to the team, but which one opens spring practice as the favorite?

Mack, a former transfer from Washington, enters his third season with the Crimson Tide under Kalen DeBoer.

OPINION: Former 3-star Alabama LB prepared to live up to Crimson Tide legends

The 6-foot-6, 232-pounder has three years of experience in the DeBoer/Ryan Grubb system, while serving as a backup to Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

He was the primary backup behind Simpson in 2025 and got the nod to enter the Rose Bowl versus Indiana after Simpson suffered an injury. Mack played in four games as a reserve last year, totaling 228 yards and two touchdowns on 24-of-32 passes completed.

Russell, a former five-star from Duncanville, Texas, is immensely talented.

Grubb compared his potential to Michael Penix, the quarterback he had at Washington.

Austin Mack and Keelon Russell on the practice field at quarterback for Alabama.

Quarterbacks during practice at Thomas-Drew Practice Fields in Tuscaloosa, AL on Sunday, Mar 8, 2026.

Russell has added weight since coming to Alabama, increasing to 201 pounds on his 6-foot-3 frame.The former two-time state champion, Gatorade Player of the Year, and Elite 11 competitor showed much potential last season in two games for the Tide.

He completed 11 of 15 passes, including two scoring tosses against Louisiana-Monroe.

What Alabama fans want more from Crimson Tide in year three under Kalen DeBoer?

Russell is two years behind Mack when it comes to the offensive system, but spring practice will give us a look at can he close the gap. In this video, yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine breaks down the quarterback race, details my favorite, and breaks down how Russell can win the job. We are in for much excitement from spring to the coming fall.

INTERESTING QB Battle Approaching At Alabama - Who's The Favorite?

*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*

Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.

Related Topics

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a seasoned writer that has covered Alabama football for Touchdown Alabama Magazine since 2009. Smith has extensive knowledge within the program, which has made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Throughout his career, Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

TDA+

More in Alabama Football Headlines

angry