Alabama's Keelon Russell Buzz Receives Surprising Update

Remember last season when speculation surged about Ty Simpson returning to school for another year and how he may have had to transfer out of the Alabama Crimson Tide program because of Keelon Russell?

Of course, Simpson did, in fact, declare for the NFL Draft, but the general consensus at the time was that Russell would be his immediate successor.

A former five-star recruit, Russell is a tantalizing prospect with legitimate dual-threat capabilities and a scary-accurate throwing arm. He also possesses impressive size at 6-foot-3, 201 pounds.

There is ample reason to believe that Russell could be Alabama's next quarterback heading into 2026, but he is also facing some pretty serious competition from Austin Mack, the Crimson Tide's hulking 6-foot-6, 235-pound redshirt junior.

In fact, Alabama insider Charlie Potter believes that Mack — who began his collegiate career with Kalen DeBoer at Washington in 2023 before following DeBoer to Tuscaloosa — may have the inside track to the starting job.

"I'd still give the slight edge to Mack because he's been in the program, the offensive system, at least, for four years," Potter said.

Potter added that he thinks Russell is a terrific talent but feels that experience may win out in the end. At least for the 2026 season opener.

"I think Keelon Russell really took advantage of those opportunities," Potter said. "He's supremely talented. I think he's eventually going to get on the field, but it wouldn't shock me to see game one, the older guy gets the start."

Mack did play in the Rose Bowl last season following Simpson's injury, going 11-for-16 with 103 yards against Indiana.

The 20-year-old also saw some sparse playing time during the regular season, with his highlight coming in Week 2 versus Louisiana-Monroe when he went 8-for-10 with 80 yards and a couple of touchdowns.

It will certainly be interesting to see how things unfold in fall camp, but there is no doubt that a legitimate quarterback competition is brewing here.

Mack is a former four-star recruit, so he's always been highly touted. DeBoer may want to see what the older signal-caller may have before he turns to Russell, who still has plenty of time left to eventually start.

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