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One of the biggest questions for Alabama going into the 2026 season is who will be under center? Ty Simpson heading to the NFL means the quarterback competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell is about to heat up.
Kalen DeBoer recently shared the timeline for a decision on who starts this upcoming season. As we know either Mack or Russell will be coming in as a first-year starter. The Crimson Tide coach explained to Josh Pate this comes down to leadership.
“We declared Ty (Simpson) the starter a little bit earlier than I would’ve anticipated a year ago. We’re always talking about it," DeBoer said. “But Keelon and Austin, and the respect – really, the way they appear to care for each other, and I think it’s pretty genuine. They’ve got me fooled if it’s not, in a big way. They lead – not together, because they’re different. But they really are leading this team."
DeBoer will be making a key decision between two blue-chip prospects. Mack was a highly-touted four-star who joined Alabama in 2024, but hasn't been able to win the QB battle. Russell, a five-star with a perfect 100 rating from 247Sports, will face an adjustment curve at the next level. But the ultra-talented dual-threat passer could end up being the next version of Jayden Daniels in the making.
Alabama opens the 2026 season against East Carolina on Sept. 5 in Tuscaloosa.
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