What is standing out early about Alabama quarterbacks to DeBoer this spring

Photo via Alabama Athletics

Kalen DeBoer has made it clear Austin Mack and Keelon Russell are competing in a two-man battle to be the next starting quarterback at the University of Alabama.

DeBoer was asked what he had seen from both quarterbacks on Tuesday while talking to reporters for the first time this spring.

“You can tell they have a number of reps from last year under their belt,” DeBoer said. “Playing with some confidence, calling plays in the huddle with confidence, both of them. Light years ahead of where they were last year, which they should be. The talent level, as far as that is concerned, is not a question. It is just a matter of them building a rapport with their skill around them, making the throws when they’re there, feeling the time and trust and just feeling comfortable in the pocket. And that just comes with time, feeling comfortable with your offensive line doing the job upfront.  Like what they have done through two practices, creating some good explosives on their end, good feel. Working the mobility when they have to, and that is part of football too.”

“Like what they have done through two practices, creating some good explosives on their end.”

Kalen DeBoer evaluates Alabama quarterbacks after second spring practice. https://t.co/szUiJietTO pic.twitter.com/rxNrvbRgYg

— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) March 10, 2026

Mack and Russell both served as back-ups to Ty Simpson during the 2025 football season. The pair was separated with the letter ‘or’ on the Crimson Tide’s official depth chart throughout last season. However, Mack was the first to enter the game after Simpson when the Tide was up big on some opponents in 2025. Mack also received some meaningful snaps when Simpson went down with an injury against Indiana in the Rose Bowl.