Kalen DeBoer and Alabama made it official on Saturday by naming sophomore Keelon Russell the starting quarterback over Austin Mack. That's a decision that has been expected, with Russell being viewed as the favorite in the competition since the end of spring practice.
Russell is a dynamic playmaker both in the pocket and on the move. He's as talented as any QB in the country, but he is a young guy who is still going to make young guy mistakes. Alabama fans need to be prepared for that, and Russell is going to need his supporting cast to pick him up from time to time.
That's just the reality of a first-time starting quarterback with limited college snaps.
With Russell's ascension to the top of the depth chart, the pressure mounts for three Crimson Tide players.
Alabama needs these 3 starters at their best to support Keelon Russell
3. WR Ryan Coleman-Williams
There aren't many things more helpful for a young quarterback than a dynamic playmaker at WR who can produce yards after the catch. That should be junior Ryan Coleman-Williams for Alabama, who is a threat for a big play every time he gets his hands on the football.
Alabama needs Coleman-Williams to bounce back after a disappointing sophomore season, and all signs point toward that happening. He's had a strong offseason and has emerged as one of the leaders on the team.
Russell needs Coleman-Williams to be one of the nation's top receivers and to put last season's issues with drops in the rearview.
2. RB Daniel Hill
A QB's best friend is an effective running game. Alabama has worked this offseason painstakingly to revamp the ground game, adding a pair of dynamic freshmen in EJ Crowell and Trae'shawn Brown, as well as completely overhauling the offensive line.
The growth of junior RB Daniel Hill, the projected starter in the backfield at the beginning of the season, is critical. He's got the most experience in the room, and the Crimson Tide will need him to move forward running the ball.
Just as important will be Hill's ability as a pass blocker in blitz pickup. A young QB like Russell needs to be able to trust that he's protected. Speaking of which...
1. LT Jackson Lloyd
There's no more important offensive lineman for a quarterback than the left tackle. Sophomore Jackson Lloyd will be tasked with protecting Russell's blindside this season, and Alabama won't be able to afford too many growing pains from that side of the line of scrimmage.
Part of the reason Russell won the job is because of his ability to work the pocket and his escapability, but pressure from the backside is difficult to feel, even for the most seasoned quarterbacks.
Starting sophomores at both QB and LT may not be ideal, but both Russell and Lloyd are supremely talented players. If they can realize their full potential quickly, then the Crimson Tide's offense is going to be difficult for everyone to deal with in 2026.
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