Alabama coach just revealed when the finale of the Crimson Tide’s quarterback competition will occur in fall camp
The Alabama Crimson Tide will be taking on ECU in less than three weeks, inside Bryant-Denny Stadium to kick off the 2026 season. But as of now, we still don’t know who will take the first snap under center. According to OC Ryan Grubb, that will change soon.
The Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback battle is approaching its conclusion. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb confirmed as much in comments via Justin Smith of Touchdown Alabama.
“We’re close. By next week we’ll have to make that call,” Grubb said.
So the immediate question becomes: who wins the job? In my opinion, I’m not wavering. I think it’s going to be Keelon Russell, and the reasoning goes deeper than just arm talent.
Austin Mack is a good quarterback, but Russell has something he doesn’t
Austin Mack is a great college quarterback. Big frame, big arm, and he can operate at an efficient, if not explosive, level in a Ryan Grubb/Kalen DeBoer offense. But he doesn’t have the legs. He doesn’t have the dynamic dual-threat capability that Russell possesses, and that’s why Russell is going to win this job.
I don’t want to pretend like Russell is solely a runner, either. He is a very good pocket passer who is wise beyond his years. He can dart the ball to every area of the football field. Based on everything we’ve seen and heard, including the clips the university has released, that much is clear.
But Russell has legs that separate him in the moments that matter most. When it’s third-and-7 and every receiver and tight end is plastered down the field and the Crimson Tide need a crucial conversion in a high-leverage situation, Russell has the mobility to go get that first down. That is the difference-maker.
Russell checks every box Alabama needs at quarterback
Beyond the athleticism, Russell has dedicated a significant amount of time over the past two offseasons to the weight room. He is a cerebral passer who is going to pick up on the nuances of DeBoer and Grubb’s offense. He’s a better athlete than Mack, and he’s a very good one at that.
Alabama can rely on him. They can trust that when the going gets tough, when a new offensive line maybe hasn’t meshed together quite yet early in the season, and when it’s a big game, Russell is going to stay calm. He’s going to run you and throw you to a win.
That is my prediction. We should know around this time next week who the starting quarterback will be for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
