Keelon Russell's mom quickly silences speculation for upcoming Alabama QB battle

With Ty Simpson officially heading out the door and to the 2026 NFL Draft, a quarterback battle is brewing in Tuscaloosa.

The Alabama Crimson Tide and head coach Kalen DeBoer turn to Keelon Russell and Austin Mack, who played in a combined four games last season and earned four touchdowns on 371 total passing yards.

However, according to Russell's mother, April Moore, who recently spoke to 247Sports' Brett Greenberg, it isn't a battle between the two quarterbacks; it's an internal fight.

Keelon Russell focusing on himself during Alabama QB battle

Of course, even with spring practice still weeks away, the battle is already a topic of focus in Tuscaloosa. Yet, according to Russell's mother, her son isn't focused on Mack's game.

"He doesn't say he's going to war with Austin Mack," Moore said. "He says he's in competition with himself, at this point. I think the media will pin them against each other, which they always do."

What a healthy mindset for such a young athlete to have. Instead of constantly comparing himself to the competition, he is focusing on how to make himself better. According to Moore, the two have a great relationship, and neither is looking to beat down the other.

"It doesn't mean you have to create enemies or this big rivalry," Moore said. "My son is not like that, and Austin is not like that... I think it's going to be a nice competition of who gets the job done. I think you're going to see the assets from both... It's going to be fun to watch.

Of course, Mack has spent one more year with the Tide than Russell has, the latter coming off his true-freshman season at Alabama.

Over the last two years, Mack has appeared in just six total games, earning 267 passing yards for three touchdowns, gaining an additional touchdown and 22 yards on the ground.

Meanwhile, in his first year of college ball, Russell played in just two games and earned 143 passing yards on 11 completions (73.5 percent) for two touchdowns through the air. He earned 17 yards on the ground but never found the end zone with his legs.