One of the big storylines leading up to the 2026 college football season was who the Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback would be: Austin Mack or Keelon Russell?
Now, Kalen DeBoer and his staff have made a decision two weeks before Alabama first takes the field on Sept. 5 against East Carolina.
Kalen DeBoer Picks Keelon Russell Over His Former Washington Commit
According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, the Crimson Tide have chosen Russell as their starting quarterback. Thamel said that Russell won the job over Mack during camp.
With this decision, the college football and Crimson Tide fan bases are divided. This also comes after college football insider Chris Hummer mentioned on the CBS College Football YouTube channel back in May that Russell had an edge.
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“They’ll never admit it, but the thought of this defense with Bryce Young 2.0 at QB makes certain fanbases very queasy,” Roll ‘Bama Roll, an SB Nation blog, said about the decision.
They’ll never admit it, but the thought of this defense with Bryce 2.0 at QB makes certain fanbases very queasy. https://t.co/P1qQRqnfZC
— Roll ‘Bama Roll (@rollbamaroll) August 22, 2026
One fan added, “Let’s prove the naysayers wrong.” Another said, “We’ll never lose another game ever again (we’re going 8-4 but I feel euphoric rn).”
Another Alabama fan showed optimism and wrote, “We are so back. Update we never left.”
However, not everyone loved the move. One fan said, “Lots of talent but can’t read defense.”
One more fan said, “he’s in for a rough game in week 2,” indicating to Alabama’s game against Kentucky.
Another added, “Alabama fans are expecting a Jameis/Manziel like redshirt freshman type season? Shouldn’t be something you bank on. Hope for cool. Bank on nah..”
Alabama fans are expecting a Jameis/Manziel like redshirt freshman type season? Shouldn’t be something you bank on. Hope for cool. Bank on nah.
— Timothy Frederick (@Timothy53299726) August 22, 2026
Russell was a freshman last season. He made appearances in two games, completing 11 of 15 passes (73.3%) for 143 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 17 rushing yards. Those appearances came against Louisiana-Monroe and Eastern Illinois.
Russell committed to Alabama back in June 2024. At the time, he was the No. 2-ranked quarterback in the country, only behind incumbent Michigan Wolverines signal-caller Bryce Underwood, per 247 Sports.
Alabama’s player profile lists Russell at 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds.
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As for Mack, he is the more experienced signal-caller. He landed with Alabama back in 2024, so he’s been in the DeBoer system for one more year. In terms of passing stats in actual games over two seasons, he’s completed 26 of 35 passes (74.3%) for three touchdowns. He only attempted three passes in 2024.
He appeared in four games in 2025, with his most extensive and notable action coming against Indiana in the College Football Quarterfinal. He completed 11 of 16 passes (68.8%) for 103 yards. He didn’t throw a touchdown or an interception. He came in to relieve an injured Ty Simpson. Alabama lost by 35 points.
What makes this decision a bit more surprising is that not only has Mack been in the Alabama system for one more season, but Mack committed to the Washington Huskies in Feb. 2023 when DeBoer was the head coach there. When DeBoer took the Alabama job, Mack followed him.
Last season, the Crimson Tide offense boasted a PFN CFB Offense Impact grade of 81.4 (30th).
