Nick Saban Sends Major QB Hint to Alabama's Kalen DeBoer

The Alabama Crimson Tide have quite a quarterback conundrum on their hands heading into fall camp, with redshirt junior Austin Mack as well as redshirt freshman Keelon Russell battling for the starting job.

Mack has multiple edges over Russell.

For one, Mack is more experienced. Remember: it was Mack who relieved an injured Ty Simpson in the Rose Bowl last season, going 11-for-16 with 103 yards.

Plus, Mack was originally with Kalen DeBoer at Washington in 2024 and ultimately followed DeBoer to Tuscaloosa the following season.

Mack knows DeBoer's system, and you would think DeBoer might be a bit partial to him considering he has been with him for so long.

Not only that, but Alabama might want to see what Mack has first considering he is the older player, and there is more runway for Russell to eventually establish himself.

But it seems pretty clear that Nick Saban does not feel that way.

While speaking to the SEC Network during SEC media days, Saban made it abundantly clear that he thinks Russell should be the guy ... without directly saying it.

"Keelon Russell, I've watched this guy for two springs," Saban said. "He didn't play much in the fall. I watched him in two springs. This guy is a talented guy who is a playmaker who can make plays, and whether he's ready to play now or not – obviously the coaches will determine that – he is going to be an outstanding player in the future."

Russell made a couple of appearances in 2025, going 11-for-15 with 143 yards and a couple of touchdowns.

"I do think Austin Mack is probably a little bit ahead in terms of his maturity as a player at the position, but I think Keelon Russell is a guy who has tremendous ability and is going to be an outstanding player in this league," Saban added. "I can't tell you whether he's ready to play now, but I know he's got the ability to be an outstanding player in this league."

So basically, Saban likes Mack ... but he loves Russell.

The Crimson Tide legend certainly isn't alone. It was Russell who was instantly viewed as the favorite by most Alabama fans following Simpson's departure, and the general consensus is that is the more talented signal-caller of the two.

That being said, it's hard to ignore what Mack brings to the table.

At 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, Mack has beyond elite size for the position, and while he doesn't possess Russell's athleticism, he has tremendous arm strength.

DeBoer will definitely have a difficult decision to make before the season opener.