Alabama's QB Competition Heats Up Ahead of Spring Game

Mack and Russell vie to replace Tide's star QB Ty Simpson

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:35pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting an Alabama quarterback dropping back to pass, with the figure broken down into overlapping planes of crimson and white.Alabama's quarterback competition takes center stage as the Crimson Tide prepare for the 2026 season.Tuscaloosa Today

Alabama is looking to replace star quarterback Ty Simpson, who declared for the NFL draft after leading the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff last season. Head coach Kalen DeBoer says the competition between redshirt juniors Austin Mack and Keelon Russell has been fierce, and the team's annual spring game on Saturday will provide a glimpse into the battle to be the next starting QB.

Why it matters

Alabama's quarterback position is one of the most high-profile in college football, with a long line of stars like Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, and Bryce Young leading the Tide's offense. Replacing Simpson, a potential first-round draft pick, is a crucial task as Alabama looks to maintain its status as a national title contender.

The details

Mack and Russell, who both saw limited action behind Simpson last season, have been competing for the starting job throughout spring practice. DeBoer says both quarterbacks have shown the ability to make plays and push the ball downfield, with Russell's athleticism and Mack's experience providing different strengths. The Tide also have a new quarterbacks coach in Bryan Ellis after Nick Sheridan left for Michigan State.

  • Alabama will hold its annual spring game on Saturday, April 15, 2026.
  • The Crimson Tide open their 2026 season on September 5 against East Carolina.

The players

Austin Mack

A redshirt junior quarterback who followed Alabama offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer from Washington in 2024. Mack appeared in four games last season, including a relief appearance in the Rose Bowl.

Keelon Russell

A redshirt freshman quarterback who was the highest-rated recruit to sign with Alabama in the modern era, according to 247Sports. Russell saw action in two games in 2025.

Ty Simpson

Alabama's starting quarterback last season, who threw for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns while leading the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff. Simpson has declared for the NFL draft.

Kalen DeBoer

Alabama's head coach, who is overseeing the quarterback competition between Mack and Russell.

Ryan Grubb

Alabama's offensive coordinator, who has praised the arm talent and athleticism of both Mack and Russell.

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What they’re saying

“Getting a lot of good reps. I love the aggressiveness that they have. They're not gun shy. They go and make plays, attacking whenever they get the right opportunities with the throws. And they're making the throws.”

— Kalen DeBoer, Head Coach

“One of the biggest things this year was to get smarter. Understanding the offense, just building my confidence level. I feel like I've grown, developed and feel like I'm becoming more of an NFL-ready quarterback.”

— Keelon Russell, Quarterback

“As far as arm talent, they're both supremely talented as far as pushing the ball all over the field. There's not going to be a throw I have in the game plan that I have for one but couldn't do with the other. Both have quick releases. Accuracy is something they're both working on. But very similar guys. I don't think other than Keelon's feet, there's a massive difference, other than size.”

— Ryan Grubb, Offensive Coordinator

What’s next

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The takeaway

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