In a move which came as a shock to no one around the Alabama team, sophomore QB Keelon Russell has been named the starting QB for the Crimson Tide to open the 2026 season.
Russell, the prized recruit in the 2025 recruiting class, beat out Austin Mack. Mack who has been with Kalen DeBoer since the Washington Huskies has now been beaten out for the starting job for the second straight season at Alabama.
Mack, who lost the job to Ty Simpson last season, will remain on the roster. But he will again be the backup QB. Sitting behind a more talented athlete.
Mack was a four-star recruit in the 2024 recruiting class before deciding to reclassify to the 2023 class and sign with Washington. During his only season with Washington, Mack redshirted behind Michael Pennix Jr. Before following DeBoer to Alabama following the retirement of Nick Saban. After a season of sitting behind entrenched starter Jalen Milroe, he again lost the battle to Simpson in 2025. Now, he will spend his fourth season on the bench and will look to transfer after the season for his final season with Russell being a sophomore and guaranteed another season in college.
Russell, a five-star recruit from the elite Duncanville, Texas, was named the 2024 Gatorade National Player of the Year before deciding to commit to DeBoer and Alabama.
Russell, a two-sport athlete at Duncanville also ran track and competed in the 200m, 400m and the 4x400m relay. The 4x400m team which Russell was a member of set the school record for the event.
Russell was originally committed to SMU. On June 4, 2024, he flipped this commitment to Alabama. Also in June 2024, Russell won the Elite 11 QB competition and was named the MVP of the event. Further cementing his five-star status in the class.
After a wonderful high school career, Russell will be looked upon to bring Alabama back to the precipice of a national championship.
One of the key factors in Russell winning the job over Mack was his legs. A talent which Mack has. But, not at the level of Russell. It is not just his legs which will make the difference as Russell is also a good thrower with a strong arm.
As a Junior at Duncanville High, Russell led the team to their second straight Texas 6-A State Championship while throwing for 38 TD and 3 INT with 3,728 yards and a completion rate of 72%.
As a senior, he finished with 4,177 yards with 55 TD and 4 INT and a nice 69% completions.
Russell was the favorite heading into the offseason competition, and he was able to prove himself. If this translates on the field for DeBoer and the Crimson Tide, a second playoff berth in a row will be the reward. It will also mean remarkable things for the 2027 season when Russell enters his second season as the starter.
Alabama Crimson Tide Name Keelon Russell Starting Quarterback