Alabama QB Race Heats Up As Ty Simpson Issues Clear Message on Keelon Russell, Austin Mack

Former Alabama QB Ty Simpson weighs in on the battle to replace him as the Crimson Tide's starting quarterback.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Alabama Crimson Tide lost quarterback Ty Simpson to the NFL draft, leaving a competition between last season's backups, freshman Keelon Russell and sophomore Austin Mack, to become the new QB1. In an interview, Simpson praised both Russell and Mack, saying the quarterback room was "one of the tightest" he's been a part of and that he's "really excited" about their futures. Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has expressed satisfaction with the two-man QB battle, noting that having experienced players in the system will help offset losses on the offensive line.

Why it matters

The Alabama quarterback competition is a closely watched storyline as the Crimson Tide look to maintain their status as an elite program. With the departure of Ty Simpson, the battle between Russell and Mack will determine who leads the offense next season and aims to keep Alabama in contention for the College Football Playoff.

The details

Simpson, who spent significant time around Russell and Mack last season, praised both players for their work ethic and eagerness to learn. Mack, who filled in for the injured Simpson in the Rose Bowl, went 11-of-16 for 103 yards. Russell, the higher-rated recruit, has already seen game action, going 11-of-15 for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the open competition, head coach Kalen DeBoer expressed satisfaction with the two-man QB battle, noting that having experienced players in the system will help offset losses on the offensive line.

  • Ty Simpson was injured in the Rose Bowl against the Indiana Hoosiers.
  • DeBoer addressed the Crimson Tide's offensive line weaknesses from last season by bringing in six transfers via the transfer portal and five players in the 2026 recruiting class, while firing offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic.

The players

Ty Simpson

Former Alabama quarterback who was the program's QB1 last season before declaring for the NFL draft.

Keelon Russell

Freshman quarterback at Alabama who is competing to become the Crimson Tide's new starting QB.

Austin Mack

Sophomore quarterback at Alabama who is competing to become the Crimson Tide's new starting QB.

Kalen DeBoer

Head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was one of the tightest QB rooms I've ever been a part of. Nobody had an ego.”

— Ty Simpson, Former Alabama quarterback

“Being in the room with Austin for two years, I really just saw him grow, coming in and learning from Jalen (Milroe) and me. I'm really excited about his growth.”

— Ty Simpson, Former Alabama quarterback

“And then Keelon just coming in being eager, always wanting to work, always asking questions. Really excited about those two and their future.”

— Ty Simpson, Former Alabama quarterback

“It's huge. Two guys that know our system at quarterback. Just, again, with an offensive line that's got some leaders that are gone, two quarterbacks that can carry over from last year, what we did and keep it moving forward.”

— Kalen DeBoer, Alabama head coach

“I would say that you always love going into a season where you absolutely know who your quarterback is, but that won't be the case. We'll let these guys battle it out. Both guys have a year at minimum in our system, understanding what we're trying to accomplish.”

— Kalen DeBoer, Alabama head coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Alabama quarterback competition is a closely watched storyline as the Crimson Tide look to maintain their status as an elite program. With the departure of Ty Simpson, the battle between Russell and Mack will determine who leads the offense next season and aims to keep Alabama in contention for the College Football Playoff.