Alabama made it official on Saturday, naming sophomore Keelon Russell the starting quarterback. He beat out senior Austin Mack, who bypassed opportunities in the Transfer Portal to return to the Crimson Tide to compete with Russell for the job.
But Russell's talent was undeniable. The competition took a drastic turn during the A-Day scrimmage when Russell had a terrific day. Since then, it has felt inevitable that he would ultimately win the job. Kalen DeBoer dropped a hint after the first scrimmage, and then reports broke prior to the second scrimmage that Russell was going to be named the starter.
Saturday brought the end of the competition, and quarterback's coach Bryan Ellis delivered the quote that made it obvious as to why Russell left the coaching staff little choice in the decision.
"He’s the guy that we know when the ball is in his hands, a lot of good shit can happen," Ellis said, via Yea-Alabama.
Keelon Russell's huge upside made the choice easy for Kalen DeBoer and Alabama
Mack might have presented the higher floor for Alabama for the 2026 season, but there's no denying that the ceiling for the Crimson Tide goes up with Russell on the field. He can make plays that Mack can't. And that's no disrespect to Mack - Russell can make plays that a lot of quarterbacks can't.
There will be some growing pains with Russell at quarterback, but the upside is impossible to ignore. He can make all the throws. Perhaps more important for this version of the Crimson Tide, Russell's legs can provide a much-needed dynamic to the offense.
Russell's legs can be a difference-maker for an Alabama offense that has to be able to run the ball more effectively this year. He's a true dual-threat option who will open up the playbook in a different way for the Crimson Tide this season than it was last year for Ty Simpson.
Alabama has question marks on offense, particularly with an offensive line that is breaking in four new starters and a RB room that is talented but unproven. He's got the potential to cover those warts.
Alabama has flown under the radar in the preseason, with most experts considering them a fringe playoff team. It's fair to take a wait-and-see approach with such a young team, but Russell brings an upside at quarterback that is as high as any signal-caller in the country. He's a special talent, one who could potentially replicate the type of seasons that former Tide stars Tua Tagovailoa and Bryce Young were able to have during their sophomore season piloting the Alabama offense.
If Russell can quickly reach his own ceiling, Alabama will be in the thick of the national title race. In this day and age of college football, you need a ceiling-raiser at quarterback. Russell is exactly that, and DeBoer is ready to hand the keys to him over the veteran Mack.
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