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.
After a 1-of-3 for 15 yards start for Mack with the first team offense, Russell got a series with the 2nd team offense, and immediately led them down the field for a touchdown drive, capping it off with a pass to Marshall Pritchett for six.
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.
Mack's second drive ended with an interception on a woefully underthrown ball to Derek Meadows. After two drives each, it felt clear who had taken the reins in the Alabama QB competition.
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.
Keelon Russell's big A-Day performance should have him as Alabama's front runner at QB
There had been little reported separation during spring practice between Mack and Russell. Saturday brought the first real separation, and the second-year QB looked leaps and bounds ahead of the fourth-year.
To Mack's credit, he bounced back a bit after a rough start and made some eye-opening throws himself. It's too early to call the QB battle, and this upcoming summer will be pivotal for both signal-callers. This competition will probably remain open throughout the summer and fall camp.
But it's been obvious since Russell stepped foot on campus that he's just different. Mack is a good player. He does a lot of things well. But Russell is special. Throws like this one just aren't normal:
Keelon Russell continues to shine, he connects with Alabama true freshman WR Cederian Morgan for a 40 yard pick up, then scores from 13 yards out on the QB keeper for his 3rd TD of the day
— Trevion D. Ware ¹ᴷ📟 (@Tware1k) April 11, 2026
A lot of scrimmage time left, but 12 has been the star so far today 🔥 pic.twitter.com/V7hLUOMzg7
Pressure in his face, and he still uncorks a dime in between two defenders. Goodness.
The final stats for the quarterbacks tell the story:
Russell: 21/33, 240 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT (+1 rush TD)
Mack: 6/12, 101 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Mack is still alive in the battle, but it feels like only a matter of time before the job is Russell's for good. His performance during the A-Day scrimmage is a further indication that his time might be now.