This does not have to be that complicated. Whoever Kalen DeBoer chooses as his next starting quarterback will likely work out. He may have inherited Jalen Milroe coming over from Washington, but he made a great decision to roll with Ty Simpson last year. He also had good fortune with Michael Penix Jr. at both Indiana and Washington, as well as with Jake Haener during his Fresno State pitstop.
So why would we expect anything less out of Keelon Russell or Austin Mack this season? While most college football analysts anticipate Russell winning the starting job, they are approaching the latest Alabama quarterback battle with muted optimism. David Cobb of CBS Sports echoed that sentiment in his quarterback tiers article from earlier in the week. He views Russell with "tantalizing potential."
These are the five other quarterbacks Cobb views in the same vein as Russell entering this season.
- Missouri Tigers quarterback Austin Simmons
- Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lincoln Kienholz
- Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell
- Mississippi State Bulldogs Kamario Taylor
- Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Jared Curtis
- Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon
While Faizon Brandon and Jared Curtis could be a boatload of fun playing for their Tennessee teams, they are only freshmen. Like Russell, Lincoln Kienholz, Austin Simmons, and Kamario Taylor have only played sparingly, but offer some level of intrigue at the quarterback position. To be frank, Russell may be the most talented member of this group. It is why we should be so bullish on this former five-star.
Similar things were said about Simpson before he became the starter. Now, look at the first-rounder...
Ty Simpson's Alabama success should foreshadow that of Keelon Russell
If there is anything DeBoer can hang his hat on as an offensive mind, it is that he can pick them at quarterback. When was the last time a starting quarterback decision made by him blew up in his face? Exactly. It did not happen with Penix at either stop, it did not happen with Haener at Fresno, it did not happen with Milroe and Simpson at Alabama, so why would it be happening to Russell here?
It may not be an easy decision, but DeBoer will likely be proven right with his next one, like he did his last one. Alabama could not run the football at all a year ago, but the Crimson Tide made the playoff because Simpson could spin it like a former five-star. He took a beating in the backfield, but his arm talent, leadership, poise, and passing precision are why he is the heir apparent to Matthew Stafford.
For Alabama to have success this season, its starting quarterback needs to be able to run and throw. Look at Russell being potentially a better version than Milroe. Mack is a physical freak, but his upside is not on par with Russell's at this time. No matter who DeBoer goes with, he will assemble an offense around his starter's greatest strengths. It shows his adaptability as a savvy, offensive-minded coach.
Read more: Kalen DeBoer could put 3 coaches into the pressure cooker with Alabama wins in 2026
Ultimately, we need for this "tantalizing potential" Russell has working for him to blossom into something greater. Potential has to become something. Otherwise, it will be wasted. So while there were many detractors of Simpson before he finally got his day in the sun, he delivered time and time again for Alabama. If and when that day comes for Russell, we can expect for it to go the same way.
Sooner or later, Russell will get his shot to lead the Crimson Tide, and he better make the most of it.
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