Austin Mack or Keelon Russell? One will seize Alabama's starting quarterback role after Ty Simpson's departure. Mack holds an edge, but Russell could surprise.
The Alabama Crimson Tide are losing the biggest piece of their 2025 offense to the upcoming draft.
Quarterback Ty Simpson led the Crimson Tide to an appearance in the SEC championship and the College Football Playoff quarterfinal. He put the offense on his shoulders, as Alabama's running game didn't give him much support.
Simpson is expected to be a late pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft or could be taken in Day 2.
This spring, all eyes have been on the two-way competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell for the starting job in 2026.
Paul Myerberg believes Mack has the "edge" to win the starting quarterback job, though it wouldn't be surprising if head coach Kalen DeBoer turned to Russell.
"Mack looked the part of Alabama’s next starter after coming in for Ty Simpson during the tail end of a Rose Bowl loss to Indiana in last year’s playoff quarterfinals," Myerberg wrote. "He completed 11 of 16 attempts against the Hoosiers and went 24 of 32 for 228 yards on the season.
"Russell was a top-level recruit who played in just two games in 2025 and preserved his redshirt. Mack has the edge in overall experience and in his experience in the scheme after following DeBoer from Washington. But Russell winning the battle would come as no surprise."
DeBoer hasn't tipped his hand on who is leading the quarterback battle this spring. He said earlier this month that both are making a case to start in Week 1.
"I think overall the quarterbacks have done a really, really good job of taking care of the ball, understanding we need to be aggressive, but we also got to make sure we’re not taking these unnecessary risks and just checking it down sometimes," DeBoer said, via Touchdown Alabama.
"A lot of times is just great, and then you get your shots at the right time because you get behind the defense. So, these guys have done a great job. I think there’s a lot of belief and confidence by our whole team in our quarterback group.”
Mack and Russell appear ready to lead Alabama. But the Crimson Tide will need the offensive line and backfield to be better if they want to compete for the CFP national championship.
Simply put, Mack and Russell shouldn't be expected to do what Simpson did last year.