Kalen DeBoer discusses Crimson Tide quarterback battle between Austin Mack, Keelon Russell

TAMPA, Fla. (WBRC) - With Ty Simpson now in the NFL, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has a big decision on his hands... who will start for the Crimson Tide in 2026?

Austin Mack is now in his senior season and has been with DeBoer his entire college career after he followed him from Washington to Alabama when DeBoer took the Tide job.

On the other hand, there is sophomore Keelon Russell, who played in two games for the Tide last season while Mack played in four.

DeBoer said the coaching staff has a lot of confidence in both players despite the lack of playing time.

“They both have a lot of similarities when you look at their effectiveness as a passer. Things they don’t have are just a number of reps and game experiences. There are a lot of things that are similar about them.”

Even with the similarities, DeBoer did say that the style between the two is a little different.

“You got at least 6′6″ (Mack). You know, Keelon is not short. He’s 6′3″. So they’re both taller quarterbacks. Austin probably a guy who knows the offense inside and out. We’re trying to make sure he doesn’t overthink things, not that he is, but just making sure that he keeps it simple like he can and execute play fast with his teammates. And Keelon I think has come a long ways. You know, him knowing, and he’s made the comment, him knowing what he knows now compared to what he knew a year ago, and that’s expected. That’s expected from both ends of it of what you see in each guy."

Alabama will kickoff their 2026 season Sept. 5 vs. East Carolina.

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