DeBoer asked what role player-led practice will play in quarterback competition

Alabama Quarterback Austin Mack (10) in action during practice at Thomas-Drew Practice Fields in Tuscaloosa, AL on Friday, Mar 13, 2026. Photo by Rodger Champion

Alabama football’s quarterback competition is still ongoing, with Austin Mack and Keelon Russell continuing to compete for the starting role.

The Crimson Tide typically goes through multiple player-led practices during the summer. DeBoer was asked about what role those practices will play in the ongoing competition on Tuesday.

“I think it’s everything,” DeBoer said while talking to reporters at the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame banquet on Tuesday. “It’s not just about those practices. It’s about what you see each and every day. And I mean, we got two great leaders and so it has to be that way. I know that their respect by the team is what it needs to be. They believe in these guys as quarterbacks on the field. They also really love who these guys are as people off the field. They’re great. They’re great teammates. They’ve obviously got different personalities, it comes out in different ways, but they attack, attack every day. They go after it with their teammates.”

DeBoer went on to describe the competition as a strong one.

“I know the competition’s strong right now, and it’s going to be that way, I know, through the fall,” said DeBoer.

Russell is set to enter his second season in Tuscaloosa this fall. Mack will be entering his third season in Tuscaloosa and his fourth under DeBoer.