Kalen DeBoer and his Alabama staff will be witnessing on the practice field in April to see who is best positioned to take over for Ty Simpson as he is off to the NFL. The competition will be between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack for the starting role.
The “Always College Football” podcast host, Greg McElroy, shared his thoughts on Alabama’s QB competition.
“Now, Mack, he’s got the seniority, and he has been in this system for a really long time,” McElroysaid. “He is the veteran in the room, has a great understanding of the offense and in limited playing time has been very, very effective. And then on the other side, you have Keelon Russell, who’s kind of a phenom with his talent level, a guy that when the ball comes out of his hand, it looks like it’s shot out of a cannon. He is a very talented young man. And if he wins the job as a redshirt freshman, then the ceiling for the offense it might just go through the roof.
“So what is the verdict? They’re a team with a new identity. They do have a high-octane offense, though they are going to have a lot of new faces, a shoulder from last year’s loss in the Rose Bowl to Indiana. There’s a lot of guys on this roster that are eager to prove that they want to show up. They want to maintain the standard that’s been expected at Alabama for a very long time. So I like the dynamic around the facility.”
Kalen DeBoer Balances Experience and Explosiveness in Alabama QB Duel After Ty Simpson’s Exit
Kalen DeBoer Balances Experience and Explosiveness in Alabama QB Duel After Ty Simpson’s Exit (Imagn Image)
Mack is the early frontrunner for the starting role, as he served as Simpson’s primary backup in 2025 and even replaced him during the Rose Bowl. Meanwhile, Russell is a former five-star recruit and the highest-rated quarterback prospect for Alabama since Bryce Young.
Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said the Alabama staff did not seek a rental from the portal, as they have full confidence that Mack and Russell are two of the best quarterbacks in the country.
Kalen DeBoer Gets Good News About Alabama’s NFL Combine
DeBoer got some great news on Wednesday, as Alabama will be strongly represented at the 2026 National Football League Draft Combine in Indianapolis, with multiple standout players earning invitations across the roster.
Leading the group is Simpson, joined on offense by running back Jam Miller, wide receiver Germie Bernard, and tight end Josh Cuevas. The Crimson Tide’s offensive line contingent will also feature offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, center Parker Brailsford, and offensive guard Jaeden Roberts.
On the defensive side, Alabama sends nose tackle Tim Keenan III, defensive end LT Overton, linebackers Justin Jefferson and Deontae Lawson, and cornerback Domani Jackson. Among all programs, Texas A&M leads the way with 13 combine invitees, followed closely by Alabama with 12, while Ohio State ranks third with 11 players invited to the combine.