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TAMPA, Fla. — Looking at Alabama football's quarterback room, Kalen DeBoer knows a decision is looming. But it's one that the Crimson Tide coach knows he is fortunate to have.
While Austin Mack and Keelon Russell come into 2026 without many reps before expecting to take the reins of the Alabama offense, both have taken "big jumps," DeBoer said, enough to gain trust in whoever takes the first snap.
"Both of them are more than capable," DeBoer said at SEC Media Days. "I think they are high-level elite quarterbacks. Fortunately, we have both in our program and it's going to be a competition that's going to lead to a tough decision. It's one we're fortunate to have and it's going to be one where we do make that decision where we're going to be confident that are going to do a great job."
Mack had the first taste of what a starting quarterback could be like.
AUSTIN MACK ROSE BOWL: How the 2026 Rose Bowl made Alabama football quarterback Austin Mack
AUSTIN MACK QB BATTLE: Why this Alabama football QB battle is nothing new to Austin Mack | Exclusive
After Ty Simpson's Rose Bowl was cut short due to a fractured rib, Mack took the reins of the Crimson Tide offense against Indiana's top-ranked defense. He completed 11 of 16 pass attempts for 103 yards, ending his third season of college football with 24 completions on 32 pass attempts, 228 passing yards and two touchdowns, both of which came against Louisiana Monroe.
In Mack, DeBoer sees a quarterback who "knows the offense inside and out," but who needs to keep his approach simple and fast and not overthinking decisions made.
Russell, DeBoer said, has "come a long ways" and grown exponentially, which the coach said was expected.
Russell shined in limited opportunities in 2025, completing 11 of 15 pass attempts for 143 yards and two touchdowns. He also took advantage of his stage at A-Day, outplaying Mack, who was limited due to unspecified injuries.
Regardless of who is named as Alabama's starting quarterback, he will come in with fewer reps than Simpson had when he was named a first-time starter in 2025.
In a starting quarterback, DeBoer wants poise and someone who can move the ball up and down the field effectively and efficiently.
In Mack and Russell, DeBoer is confident both are up for the task.
"Our team trusts that whoever steps on the football field," DeBoer said.
Alabama opens the 2026 season against East Carolina Saturday, Sept. 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on ABC.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected] or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter or Instagram @colingaytnews.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Why Kalen DeBoer feels fortunate to face Alabama football quarterback battle
Continue reading...
While Austin Mack and Keelon Russell come into 2026 without many reps before expecting to take the reins of the Alabama offense, both have taken "big jumps," DeBoer said, enough to gain trust in whoever takes the first snap.
"Both of them are more than capable," DeBoer said at SEC Media Days. "I think they are high-level elite quarterbacks. Fortunately, we have both in our program and it's going to be a competition that's going to lead to a tough decision. It's one we're fortunate to have and it's going to be one where we do make that decision where we're going to be confident that are going to do a great job."
Mack had the first taste of what a starting quarterback could be like.
AUSTIN MACK ROSE BOWL: How the 2026 Rose Bowl made Alabama football quarterback Austin Mack
AUSTIN MACK QB BATTLE: Why this Alabama football QB battle is nothing new to Austin Mack | Exclusive
After Ty Simpson's Rose Bowl was cut short due to a fractured rib, Mack took the reins of the Crimson Tide offense against Indiana's top-ranked defense. He completed 11 of 16 pass attempts for 103 yards, ending his third season of college football with 24 completions on 32 pass attempts, 228 passing yards and two touchdowns, both of which came against Louisiana Monroe.
In Mack, DeBoer sees a quarterback who "knows the offense inside and out," but who needs to keep his approach simple and fast and not overthinking decisions made.
Russell, DeBoer said, has "come a long ways" and grown exponentially, which the coach said was expected.
Russell shined in limited opportunities in 2025, completing 11 of 15 pass attempts for 143 yards and two touchdowns. He also took advantage of his stage at A-Day, outplaying Mack, who was limited due to unspecified injuries.
Regardless of who is named as Alabama's starting quarterback, he will come in with fewer reps than Simpson had when he was named a first-time starter in 2025.
In a starting quarterback, DeBoer wants poise and someone who can move the ball up and down the field effectively and efficiently.
In Mack and Russell, DeBoer is confident both are up for the task.
"Our team trusts that whoever steps on the football field," DeBoer said.
Alabama opens the 2026 season against East Carolina Saturday, Sept. 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on ABC.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected] or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter or Instagram @colingaytnews.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Why Kalen DeBoer feels fortunate to face Alabama football quarterback battle
Continue reading...
