Three Things To Watch at Alabama A-Day

The Crimson Tide football program puts its talent on display in Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:41am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an Alabama football game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of crimson red, white, and gray.Alabama's annual A-Day spring game offers a first look at the Crimson Tide's new-look offense and the players competing for starting jobs.Tuscaloosa Today

Alabama football finishes up spring practice next week, but puts its annual A-Day Spring Game on display this Saturday for the fans to come to Tuscaloosa and see the upcoming edition of the Crimson Tide. The departure of the spring transfer portal window and a healthier spring practice period mean the Crimson Tide faithful will once again be treated to a competition-style event with an offense-versus-defense scoring system, similar to Kalen DeBoer's first A-Day.

Why it matters

Alabama football enters its third season under DeBoer with several question marks, and the A-Day spring game provides the first chance for fans to see how the team's new starters and transfers will perform.

The details

The Crimson Tide is introducing its third new starting quarterback in three seasons this season after Ty Simpson entered the NFL Draft. The problem? We don't quite know which of the Crimson Tide's two talented signal-callers, redshirt junior Austin Mack and redshirt freshman Keelon Russell, will earn the job. Saturday's scrimmage will be the first chance for Alabama fans to see them operate the offense with the starting role on the line. Alabama is also replacing four starters from last season's starting offensive line. The Crimson Tide must improve on the ground in 2026, and that starts with four new starters on the offensive line. Fans will get a first look at players like redshirt freshman Jackson Lloyd at left tackle, incoming Texas transfer Nick Brooks, Ole Miss transfer Ethan Fields, and redshirt sophomore Casey Poe at left guard, redshirt sophomore Racin Delgatty at center, and sophomore Michael Carroll potentially moving from right tackle to right guard.

  • Alabama football finishes up spring practice next week.
  • The A-Day Spring Game is on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • Bryant-Denny Stadium is hosting country singer Morgan Wallen the following Saturday, making April 11 the ideal date to host the spring game.

The players

Austin Mack

A redshirt junior quarterback who has been in Kalen DeBoer's offense for three seasons after enrolling early at Washington and then transferring to Tuscaloosa with the Crimson Tide head coach. He stands at 6-foot-6 and has just enough athleticism to be dangerous when plays break down.

Keelon Russell

A redshirt freshman quarterback who is the apple of every Alabama fan's eye as the former 5-star recruit. He has a lightning quick release, shows the ability to excel when plays break down, and seems to have a natural feel for the game.

Jackson Lloyd

A redshirt freshman offensive tackle who Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb declared the Crimson Tide's new starter at left tackle early in spring camp. He came to Alabama as a multi-sport athlete in high school, and the coaching staff has raved about his athleticism since his arrival.

Nick Brooks

An incoming Texas transfer who is competing for a starting spot on the offensive line, potentially at left guard or right tackle.

Racin Delgatty

A 6-foot-3, 300-pound center transfer from Cal Poly who is expected to be Alabama's new starting center after the departure of two-year starter Parker Brailsford.

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What’s next

The quarterback competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell will continue through fall camp, with the winner likely not being named until just before the season opener.

The takeaway

Alabama's A-Day spring game will provide the first glimpse of the Crimson Tide's new-look offense, with a quarterback battle and several new starters on the offensive line. How these position battles play out will be crucial to Alabama's success in the 2026 season.