Ty Simpson is reportedly declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, meaning that heading into his third season as the Alabama head coach, Kalen DeBoer will finally have a starting quarterback that he recruited. And the battle for that job in the spring, summer, and fall will be the most intriguing storyline for the Crimson Tide this offseason.
Rising redshirt junior Austin Mack, assuming he sticks around and doesn't enter the Transfer Portal, will battle rising redshirt freshman Keelon Russell, the No. 2 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class, for the starting job.
Mack was rumored to be a portal casualty, but with Simpson's decision to turn pro, it makes the most sense for him to come back and fight for the starting job. Mack was the top backup QB for Alabama this season. When Simpson cracked a rib in the Rose Bowl loss to Indiana, it was Mack who came into the game in the second-half, not Russell.
Mack will likely enter the spring with a small lead, but Russell is different. The former 5-star recruit opened eyes in two games he played during his true freshman campaign. The ball just comes out of his hand differently than others, and he will make a serious push for the starting job.
Austin Mack and Keelon Russell will likely battle for the Alabama starting QB spot
Mack is heading into his fourth year of college football. It will also be his fourth season playing under DeBoer. Mack originally signed with Washington and spent his redshirt year there in 2023. He joined DeBoer in Tuscaloosa as a redshirt freshman, spending his first two seasons on the bench.
In the Rose Bowl, he looked calm and poised, showcasing his athleticism and strong arm. Most Alabama fans are ready to anoint Russell as next season's starter, but that's premature. Mack can play, and he is very much a contender to start in 2026. The staff will make that clear to him to ensure he stays in Tuscaloosa.
But the hype around Russell is real. Alabama identified him while he was a low 4-star committed to SMU. He exploded as a high school senior, turning into a consensus 5-star and one of the top overall players in the 2025 class. He oozes talent and potential. He can make every throw.
Alabama's QB room remains in a good spot even without Simpson. And both Mack and Russell were recruited by DeBoer because they are the type of QBs he wants to run his offense. Simpson did an admirable job learning and running the system, but now DeBoer will have his guy leading the way next season, behind a completely rebuilt offensive line, with what should be a much-improved RB room, and elite skill talent at WR.
Alabama's offense should shine in 2026. And the competition between Mack and Russell will be highly contested and likely extend all the way to the beginning of the season.