Kalen DeBoer suddenly has a chance to use his greatest ability after Alabama confirms suspicion about QB position at Vanderbilt
The Alabama Crimson Tide returns to Nashville for the first time since Vanderbilt upended Kalen DeBoer’s debut season, and this time the Crimson Tide will make the trip without its starting quarterback under center.
The Alabama Crimson Tide is heading back to Nashville, and the last trip there did not go well. In Kalen DeBoer’s first season in Tuscaloosa, the Vanderbilt Commodores knocked off Alabama, and the Crimson Tide’s season went up in smoke after that loss.
Now Alabama returns looking for revenge and a chance to further cement itself as one of the best teams in college football. There’s just one problem. The Crimson Tide will be without starting quarterback Keelon Russell. Russell is listed as probable, but backup QB Austin Mack is expected to start against Vanderbilt, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
That makes this a key game for DeBoer. It also gives him a chance to show off his biggest strength.
Why sitting Keelon Russell is the smart play for Alabama
For one, I believe this is the right decision from DeBoer and the Crimson Tide. Say what you want about Vanderbilt, but the Commodores are an SEC opponent, and Alabama had better take them seriously. All week, DeBoer did exactly that.
That being said, if you have a reliable and capable backup, what is the sense in risking your starting quarterback? Russell suffered an ankle injury last week against LSU. Alabama has SEC Championship and College Football Playoff aspirations. Putting him on the field with a capable option behind him doesn’t add up.
Mack is that capable option, in my opinion. The reason I have confidence in him to get the win in Nashville comes down to the evidence we already have on DeBoer.
Kalen DeBoer’s track record at quarterback speaks for itself
Think back to Jalen Milroe. Before DeBoer arrived in Tuscaloosa, Milroe was largely viewed in league circles as a Day 3 pick, maybe even an undrafted free agent. He went in the third round.
Then there’s Ty Simpson. Hardly anyone knew about him, and he became the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
This year, Russell came out as a first-year starter as a sophomore and lit up college football. Some sources have told me he is already the best quarterback in the sport.
On top of that, look at what DeBoer has coming down the pipeline. Alabama has a great prospect in Jett Thomalla, two 5-star quarterbacks in Trent Seaborn and Elijah Haven, and the group keeps going into 2028.
DeBoer’s history has done nothing but suggest he knows exactly what he’s doing at the position. That goes back to Michael Penix Jr. at Washington, continues through the quarterbacks before Russell at Alabama, and shows up again with Russell now and in DeBoer’s recruiting. This game is another opportunity for him to prove it, and to show that even his backups can get the job done.
A big opportunity for Austin Mack
This is also a great opportunity for Mack. He has been extremely loyal to DeBoer, following him from Washington to Alabama, sticking it out, and getting through a camp battle in Tuscaloosa.
Mack is likely headed for the transfer portal after the season. That makes this start even more important for his future. It’s his chance to shine, his chance to prove he is capable, and his chance to prove DeBoer right.
Many believe DeBoer is the best quarterback coach in college football. On Saturday afternoon in Nashville, we will find out if his backup can add to that case.
