Alabama QB Mack Still Struggling After Shaky Spring Game

Redshirt junior QB Austin Mack fails to impress in A-Day scrimmage, raising questions about coach Kalen DeBoer's QB development abilities.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:05am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the silhouette of a college football quarterback in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the position at Alabama.A cubist interpretation of the ongoing quarterback competition at Alabama, where the future of the program's signal-caller remains uncertain.Tuscaloosa Today

Alabama quarterback Austin Mack, a redshirt junior transfer from Washington, is still not ready to be the Crimson Tide's starting QB after a poor performance in the team's annual A-Day spring scrimmage. Mack was outplayed by redshirt freshman Keelon Russell, leading to concerns about coach Kalen DeBoer's ability to develop quarterbacks effectively.

Why it matters

Mack's continued struggles are a worrying sign for Alabama, as the team looks to replace longtime starter Bryce Young. With high expectations in Tuscaloosa, DeBoer's QB development track record is now being called into question, especially after he was unable to elevate Mack in his three years with the program.

The details

In the A-Day game, Mack looked indecisive and held the ball too long at times, failing to make the most of his opportunities behind an offensive line that did not provide as much help as it could have. Meanwhile, the younger Russell outperformed Mack, leading some to believe he may have taken the lead in the quarterback competition.

  • The A-Day spring football game took place on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Mack is entering his fourth year under coach Kalen DeBoer, and third in Tuscaloosa after transferring from Washington in 2024.

The players

Austin Mack

A redshirt junior quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, who transferred from the Washington Huskies in 2024.

Keelon Russell

A redshirt freshman quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, who is emerging as a potential challenger to Mack for the starting job.

Kalen DeBoer

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, who is facing questions about his ability to develop quarterbacks effectively.

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What they’re saying

“Alabama's offensive line did not help Mack as much as it might have throughout the scrimmage. However, the quarterback could have done better to help himself. Mack looked indecisive at times, holding the ball far too long at various moments. He also did not opt to run a few times when it might have been the correct decision.”

— Matt Stahl, AL.com reporter

What’s next

The Alabama coaching staff will have to closely evaluate the quarterback competition between Mack and Russell throughout the offseason and into fall camp to determine who will be the team's starting QB for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Mack's continued struggles and the emergence of Russell raise serious questions about Kalen DeBoer's ability to develop quarterbacks at the highest level of college football. With the SEC's competitive landscape, Alabama may need to find a more reliable solution at the quarterback position to maintain its status as a perennial national title contender.