The Alabama Crimson Tide has a quarterback battle brewing after last season’s QB1, Ty Simpson, departed for the NFL Draft process after one season under center. Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb opted against taking part in the sweepstakes for veteran quarterbacks in the transfer portal in January.
Instead, the job of the Crimson Tide’s QB1 will be between redshirt freshman Keelon Russell and veteran backup Austin Mack.
Keon Sabb Weighs In on the Alabama Quarterback Competition
While speaking to reporters after spring practice, veteran Alabama defensive back Keon Sabb, who has witnessed several QB1 battles in Tuscaloosa, spoke about the intense quarterback battle between Russell and Mack.
“Two really talented guys, they’ve both got different strengths and weaknesses,” Sabb said. “Just learning to play against them. Honestly, I think they’re doing a really good job on both sides. Looking forward to the competition going through spring into camp as well.”
Mack started his college football career in Washington, playing under Grubb and DeBoer, before following the pair to Tuscaloosa in 2024. He spent his first season in Alabama as Jalen Milroe’s backup, lost the QB1 battle to Simpson last season, and has now amassed three seasons under DeBoer.
Russell is a former five-star recruit and has shown signs of his talent in two games for the program, going 11-of-15 for 143 yards and 2 touchdowns.
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During a news conference after Bama’s first scrimmage on Friday, DeBoer was optimistic about the Crimson Tide’s quarterback battle after Russell and Mack’s performances in spring practice so far.
“I love the aggressiveness that they have,” DeBoer said. “They’re not gun-shy. They go and make plays attacking whenever they can get the right opportunities with the throws, and they’re making the throws. And the guys are coming through, making the plays for them, and catching.”
“I think they’re gaining more confidence in the offensive line each and every day. That’s going to take time. We know there’s a lot of faces up front, but they’re clear with their communication. There’s not a lot that’s catching them off guard, so they can go out and let their skills speak for themselves and make the plays.”
Whichever prospect wins the QB1 battle will have a huge task to restore the program to its former glories, as the Crimson Tide’s offense flattered to deceive last season with a non-existent running game, earning a PFSN College Offense Impact score of 81.7.
