# Who Will Be Alabama's New Starting Quarterback? The competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell will shape Alabama's season. - **Source:** [Forbes - Business](https://brifing.si/source/e0310925-a7af-4d4b-80a7-c80d400e49fa) - **Published:** 2026-08-19 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e365fba6-99b1-4856-a453-ce1977f5cf10 ## Alabama's Quarterback Competition The Alabama Crimson Tide faces a quarterback battle between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell ahead of the 2026 season. Both players have limited college experience but were highly touted high school recruits. Mack was ranked 73rd in the 2023 high school class, while Russell was the No. 2 overall prospect in 2025. After losing four games in each of coach Kalen DeBoer's first two seasons, the team aims for a championship with a more manageable schedule this year. ## Lack of Experience Mack redshirted at Washington before transferring to Alabama. As a backup for the past two seasons, he appeared in only five games, completing 26 of 35 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns. Russell played in just two games last season, completing 11 of 15 attempts for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Both quarterbacks face a significant experience gap compared to their SEC rivals. ## Tough SEC Competition Alabama will compete against experienced SEC quarterbacks like Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss), Arch Manning (Texas), and Gunner Stockton (Georgia). Ranked 13th in the AP preseason poll, the Crimson Tide received their worst preseason ranking since 2008. Facing unranked opponents in the first five weeks could provide an adjustment period for the new quarterback. ## Offensive System Fit Coach DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb implemented a pass-heavy system with Michael Penix Jr. at Washington. However, Alabama's recent quarterbacks Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson were more run-oriented. How well Mack or Russell adapts to this new system will directly impact the team's performance. Grubb stated the quarterback decision would be announced within a week. ## Season Schedule and Goals Alabama opens the season on September 5 against East Carolina. After five weeks against unranked opponents, they face No. 3 Georgia on October 10 in a crucial matchup. This manageable schedule by SEC standards benefits the new quarterback. The team aims to advance past the College Football Playoff quarterfinals for the first time under DeBoer. ## Past Success and New Era Under Nick Saban for 16 seasons, Alabama never lost more than three games and won six national championships. Since Saban's retirement, DeBoer's teams have lost four games each season. With a more balanced roster and schedule this year, Alabama has a chance to return to its former glory. The quarterback decision will be pivotal to achieving this goal. ## Player Profiles Austin Mack, at 6'6", fits the prototype quarterback mold with his size and athleticism. He transferred to Alabama after redshirting at Washington. Keelon Russell is more mobile and was a five-star high school recruit. Russell's quick decision-making and football IQ could suit the offensive system well. Both players face immense pressure to prove themselves, intensifying the competition. ## Alabama's Future The quarterback competition will shape not just this season but Alabama's future. Success by Mack or Russell could stabilize the program under DeBoer. While winning with an inexperienced QB in the tough SEC is challenging, Alabama's strong offensive line and defense will provide support. The early season games will reveal how quickly the new quarterback adapts. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.forbes.com/sites/timcasey/2026/08/19/austin-mack-and-keelon-russell-compete-for-alabamas-quarterback-job/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._