Alabama's Quarterback Battle Heats Up for 2026 Season

Four scholarship QBs will compete for the starting job under new head coach Kalen DeBoer

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Alabama Crimson Tide will kick off its 2026 quarterback battle on Sunday, when the team takes the field for the third spring practice under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. The Tide has four scholarship quarterbacks on its roster for 2026, with the starting job likely coming down to a competition between redshirt junior Austin Mack and redshirt freshman Keelon Russell.

Why it matters

Alabama is entering a new era with DeBoer as head coach, and the quarterback battle will be a key storyline as the team looks to maintain its status as an elite program. The competition between the experienced Mack and the highly-touted Russell will be closely watched, as the winner will be tasked with leading the Crimson Tide offense in 2026.

The details

Mack, a 6-foot-6, 235-pound quarterback, was the Tide's listed backup in 2025 behind Ty Simpson. He has the size and experience in DeBoer's system that could give him an edge. Russell, a 6-foot-3, 194-pound five-star recruit, impressed in limited action last season and is viewed as the future of the program. Both quarterbacks will look to separate themselves during spring practice as they compete for the starting job.

  • Alabama will begin spring practice on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
  • The Tide's starting quarterback for the 2026 season will be determined by the end of fall camp.

The players

Austin Mack

A redshirt junior quarterback who was the Tide's listed backup in 2025. The 6-foot-6, 235-pound Mack has experience in DeBoer's system and could have an edge with his size and pocket presence.

Keelon Russell

A redshirt freshman quarterback who was a five-star recruit in 2024. The 6-foot-3, 194-pound Russell impressed in limited action last season and is seen as the future of the Alabama program.

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What they’re saying

“Mack has been with DeBoer and the Tide's coaching staff for all three seasons of his college career, making him the most experienced quarterback in DeBoer's system.”

— Wyatt Fulton, Author (wtug.com)

“Russell was viewed as the crown jewel of DeBoer's 2025 recruiting class as DeBoer's first quarterback commitment of his Alabama tenure.”

— Wyatt Fulton, Author (wtug.com)

What’s next

Alabama will not name a starting quarterback after spring practice, allowing the competition to continue through the summer and fall camp. This is to avoid complacency from the losing quarterback and potential 'blind transfers' before the season starts.

The takeaway

The quarterback battle between Mack and Russell will be a key storyline to watch as Alabama enters a new era under head coach Kalen DeBoer. The winner of the competition will be tasked with leading the Crimson Tide offense in 2026 as the program looks to maintain its status as an elite program.