The Alabama Crimson Tide hosted Mullet A-Day at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, and it appears that Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb's choice for the next starting quarterback in Tuscaloosa is crystal clear.
Per Bama Hammer's John Mitchell, "Austin Mack was first up for Alabama at QB during A-Day, but if he had any sort of lead in the QB battle coming into the final scrimmage of spring practice, it completely evaporated on Saturday afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Rising redshirt freshman Keelon Russell looked like the guy for Kalen DeBoer from the moment he got his opportunity."
"Russell got an immediate opportunity with the first team offense against the first team defense after that, and he replicated that first drive success. Russell led another scoring drive, capped by a touchdown pass to Lotzeir Brooks. Two drives, two touchdowns, with Russell going 11-of-14 for 107 yards ... That's what you want as a coach. You want a QB to step up and just take the job. That's what it looks like Russell did during A-Day, and while the spring game isn't the end-all, be-all for the QB battle, it sure looks like Russell should be considered the favorite now," Mitchell added.
A QB with 15 pass attempts in his career is now the Crimson Tide's frontrunner to start for the 2026 season. That may sound good for the Auburn Tigers on paper, but Keelon Russell comes from Texas High School Football's Class 6A division with elite production (4,177 yards, 55 touchdowns, four interceptions). Ty Simpson had only 50 pass attempts in three years before taking the reins, but even he never had the athletic profile that Russell has.
Keelon Russell covers well for Alabama's faults
Russell prefers to take it to the air, but the former Duncanville Panthers phenom can move the chains with his legs. He had over nine yards per carry during the 2024 season, with over 300 yards and three rushing touchdowns in 2024.
Russell can cover for what Alabama is worst at: physicality at the line of scrimmage, from running backs and offensive linemen. DeBoer believes he can outscheme opponents without winning the physicality battle, which is foolish, but with Russell, he has a better chance to.
While the Crimson Tide isn't what it used to be and most certainly won't win the CFP in 2026/2027, Alabama is undoubtedly better off rolling the dice with the Russell in the QB room. He has a higher ceiling than Austin Mack, and he may be ready to show it this fall.