As the Alabama Crimson Tide rolls into spring practice for the 2026 season, the most pressing question in Tuscaloosa is no longer if Kalen DeBoer can maintain the standard, but who will lead his offense. Following Ty Simpson’s departure, the quarterback room has transitioned into a high-stakes competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell.
David Pollack Names Which Quarterback Alabama Might Pick Between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell
David Pollack recently appeared on his “See Ball Get Ball” show and broke down the Alabama QB competition. He mentioned that Mack has looked the part when given opportunities, and he could run the ball, too.
The Georgia Bulldogs legend believes that’s the reason Kalen DeBoer didn’t go to the portal to get another QB.
“They didn’t go into the portal; they let Austin Mack be their guy. And now it’s Austin Mack slash Keelon Russell, because there’s another guy that is really talented. We saw Mack in the Rose Bowl, and I’ll be honest, he looked the part. While Ty Simpson looked like he was frazzled all over the place, Mack came in and looked pretty solid,” Pollack said.
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“He (Austin Mack) looked like he could run the football; he’s big, and he’s strong. Remember, he came from Washington with DeBoer. However, he’s actually only been in school for a year, he reclassified and skipped his senior year of high school. But he’s been “marinating” in this specific system,” Pollack continued.
Mack enters the spring as the slight favorite by way of experience. Standing at a towering 6-foot-6, Mack has the ideal frame for DeBoer’s vertical passing attack. More importantly, he boasts a three-year history with DeBoer dating back to their time at Washington. In addition, his familiarity with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s terminology gives him a significant head start.
Pollack then stated that the situation didn’t warrant a “trigger” and subtly declared Mack as potential QB1. He added, “Keelon Russell is obviously very young and very talented, but I don’t think they’re going to pull the trigger and go with a true freshman.”
If Mack represents stability, Russell represents pure, explosive potential. The former five-star recruit out of Duncanville, Texas, is a dynamic dual-threat who has added roughly 7 pounds this offseason to reach 201 pounds. What’s more, Grubb also recently noted that Russell’s athleticism and feet provide a different dimension.
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The battle is expected to hinge on two factors: ball security and locker room leadership. While true freshmen Jett Thomalla and Tayden Kaawa are waiting in the wings, 2026 is shaping up to be a Mack vs. Russell duel that could stretch well into fall camp. But if DeBoer listens to Pollack’s logic, the decision might become a bit easier.
