Preview of Alabama football’s quarterback competition ahead of fall camp

Aug. 19, 2025, Tuscaloosa, AL; Quarterbacks Keelon Russell and Austin Mack throw during practice for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Alabama Crimson Tide’s offense will feature a new starting quarterback in 2026 following the departure of Ty Simpson this offseason. 

Head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff currently find themselves with a highly anticipated quarterback battle on their hands. Each candidate has proven they have the potential to be capable of starting in Tuscaloosa this year, with senior quarterback Austin Mack and sophomore Keelon Russell competing for the starting job.

Mack was the Crimson Tide’s second-string quarterback during his sophomore campaign at Alabama last year. Russell was a highly coveted recruit from the 2025 class, and the rising star could quickly begin making a name for himself this season if he ultimately earns the starting role.

Mack is a talented veteran who has played in DeBoer’s system for an additional two years. Russell is a former 5-star recruit with elite potential and upside, and the duo is expected to continue battling each other for the starting role until a final decision is reached during fall camp. 

Kalen DeBoer recently explained what traits the Tide is looking for in its next starting quarterback on “The Martin Houston Show”

“The guy’s got to move the ball up and down the field, have a presence about him to have something that where he’s impacting the team around him, and they believe in him… not making mistakes that can lose you the game,” DeBoer said. “These guys are human, and it’s not going to be perfect. We understand that. But it’s in practice, who’s moving the ball up and down the field with the most consistency.”

The two quarterbacks have contrasting styles, and the way each of them plays will likely impact the way the Tide’s offense looks this fall.

Both Mack and Russell were able to showcase their abilities on a limited number of occasions in 2025, but each quarterback has the talent to emerge as the Crimson Tide’s starter this season nonetheless.