Alabama QBs Struggle in Second Spring Scrimmage

Head coach Kalen DeBoer says it 'wasn't their sharpest day' for quarterbacks Austin Mack and Keelon Russell

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:04pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting the fragmented movements of a college football quarterback dropping back to pass, with sharp planes of crimson, white, and navy blue colors.Alabama's quarterback battle remains unsettled as the Crimson Tide work to integrate new faces on the offensive line.Tuscaloosa Today

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer expressed disappointment in the performances of quarterbacks Austin Mack and Keelon Russell during the Crimson Tide's second spring scrimmage, saying 'it wasn't up to the standard that they've had.' DeBoer cited the team's revamped offensive line as a factor in the QBs' struggles to get in sync with the new personnel.

Why it matters

The quarterback competition between Mack and Russell is a key storyline for Alabama this offseason, as the Tide look to replace departed starter Ty Simpson. How the two signal-callers develop over the spring will be crucial in determining the team's starting QB for the 2026 season.

The details

Mack, a redshirt junior, and Russell, a redshirt freshman, have been splitting reps evenly in spring practice as they compete to be Alabama's QB1. However, DeBoer said their play in the latest scrimmage 'wasn't their sharpest day,' citing the Tide's overhauled offensive line as a contributing factor. With only Michael Carroll returning as a starter up front, Mack and Russell have had to adjust to working with a new-look line.

  • The second spring scrimmage took place on Friday afternoon.

The players

Kalen DeBoer

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team.

Austin Mack

A redshirt junior quarterback competing for the starting job at Alabama.

Keelon Russell

A redshirt freshman quarterback competing for the starting job at Alabama.

Michael Carroll

The only returning starter on Alabama's offensive line.

Chris Kapilovic

The former offensive line coach at Alabama who was fired.

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What they’re saying

“That was the goal. I'm not sure how it exactly ended. I know there was a [point] I caught where it was close and we're just trying to finish it out that way. But they've been splitting it. I would say today wasn't their sharpest day, and a lot of it is what we've been talking with offensive line.”

— Kalen DeBoer, Head Coach

“Just getting in sync with guys, the reps that they've had a lot, maybe just even things that we have as part of our base offense that we've done now for two years here. You can see everyone being in sync and when you're playing with confidence, you'll rip it with confidence.”

— Kalen DeBoer, Head Coach

“So, I'd say it wasn't up to the standard that they've had. But there's no doubt that if we had to play a game. There's some things they do really well that we're confident in that they can execute at a high level.”

— Kalen DeBoer, Head Coach

What’s next

The Crimson Tide will continue spring practice over the next several weeks as Mack and Russell battle for the starting quarterback job. Their performances in the remaining scrimmages will be closely watched as Alabama looks to solidify its QB depth chart ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Alabama's quarterback competition remains wide open after a subpar showing from Mack and Russell in the team's second spring scrimmage. The Tide's revamped offensive line appears to be a factor, as the QBs struggle to get in sync with the new personnel. However, head coach Kalen DeBoer expressed confidence that both signal-callers can perform at a high level when the games start.