Alabama Football News

DeBoer asked how he kept 2 Alabama quarterbacks from transferring

by
Justin Smith
May 26, 2026

3/5/25 MFB Spring Practice 2 Alabama Football Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb Alabama Quarterback Keelon Russell (12) Photo by Kent Gidley

Kalen DeBoer talked to reporters at the SEC Spring Meetings, and he was asked about how he kept Austin Mack and Keelon Russell from transferring.

Russell and Mack returned to the Crimson Tide to compete for Alabama’s starting quarterback job. This could be seen as rare in today’s college football landscape. DeBoer detailed why he felt the Tide were able to keep both from entering the transfer portal on Tuesday.

“That’s a great question,” DeBoer said. “I think I would give credit to both of those two, Keelon and Austin are two guys that are competitive. They have a belief in themselves, and each of them feeling that they can go win the job and that they can do what it takes to win here at Alabama. But I also would say that I think there’s an environment in that room because last year with Ty (Simpson) being involved, I mean there was three guys competing and we continue to bring in more guys that want to be a part. But why do they want to be a part? They want to be a part of our program, of course, want to be a part of our offensive system, but I think Ryan Grubb, and now Bryan Ellis being in that room as the quarterback’s coach, and I’ll give Nick Sheridan some credit too for keeping those guys around. And kind of Bryan’s now bridged the gap there as the quarterbacks coach. But what does it look like? you’re giving them opportunities, you’re challenging them. They feel like they’re getting better and reaching their potential, and you’re giving them everything you got. They love their teammates, their teammates love them back because they do stay, and they place priority on the most important things, and that’s just being the best, bringing a great attitude and effort every single day.”

The Tide has not named a starting quarterback, and Russell and Mack are expected to continue to compete for the role as the summer progresses.

Justin Smith( Managing Editor, Director of Recruiting )

Justin Smith is the Managing Editor and Lead Writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine with over 10 years of writing experience & expertise. Smith has consistently delivered high quality, extensively researched information on the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide football team that fans can trust. Smith is official credentialed media with the University of Alabama under Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He is also the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Enterprises, specializing in scouting and analyzing high school recruits around the nation, specifically focusing on recruits within the state of Alabama.