Keelon Russell Reportedly Wins Alabama's Starting QB Battle

The Alabama football team reportedly named sophomore Keelon Russell its starting quarterback on Saturday. 

Throughout fall camp, Russell and senior Austin Mack battled to earn the role of the Crimson Tide's lead signal-caller. Two weeks before their Sept. 5 season-opener against East Carolina, head coach Kalen DeBoer began to let the team know Russell would be the starting quarterback. 

Russell appeared in two games in 2025, completing 11 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns, before opting to redshirt. He was a five-star recruit, and the No. 2 overall quarterback and player in the 2025 class, per 247sports, falling only behind Michigan's Bryce Underwood. 

After sitting behind former Alabama QB Ty Simpson, who the Los Angeles Rams selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Russell will get his opportunity to lead the Crimson Tide. 

Mack, on the other hand, will remain in a backup role. Playing behind Simpson last season, he appeared in four games, and completed 24 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns. 

Not only did Mack and Russell go toe to toe throughout fall camp, but they competed in Alabama's spring game. Russell outdueled Mack, throwing for 240 yards and four touchdowns, while Mack tossed for a 101 yards but got "dinged up."