Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer might've thought he had the best-case scenario take place in Tuscaloosa at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Mullet A-Day spring football game. CBS Sports' Shehan Jeyarajah shared valid concerns about redshirt freshman Keelon Russell outplaying Austin Mack on Saturday.
Per Jeyarajah, "The upside is higher with Russell in the lineup. But in a pivotal season for DeBoer's staff, can the Crimson Tide afford to take the risk? DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb have done an exceptional job with quarterbacks over the years, including developing Penix, Simpson and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Jake Haener. But with two highly-rated prospects on campus, this could be the most consequential decision of their careers."
Alabama has to be all about upside right now. DeBoer doesn't have much rope after his team was destroyed 38-3 in the Rose Bowl by the Indiana Hoosiers. Russell is slight of frame, but he could be the kind of QB who excels in College Football but never does much in the pros because of that size, or lack thereof.
Still, he's the first high school recruit DeBoer brought to the Tide. Russell or Mack will be the first QB Nick Saban didn't gift DeBoer and Co. The "Bama Standard" plunging to the floor so quickly after Saban's retirement gives everyone the right to have doubts about Alabama's 2026 campaign.
Is Alabama saving its money for Kalen DeBoer's replacement?
The Tide didn't spend much money this offseason in the portal. In fact, certain position groups, like the offensive line, look neglected in many ways. It makes you wonder what the plan is for DeBoer and Co.
Could Alabama be saving its money on DeBoer's replacement's team? It's not like Greg Byrne isn't spending on other sports. Nate Oats has a Sweet 16-caliber team almost every year. Those donors will spend on what they believe in.
It makes you wonder if UAT's booster class has already given up on DeBoer. Since he's given up on winning the way Saban did, with hard-nosed determination and toughness, those donors would be justified.