Alabama Crimson Tide HC Kalen DeBoer plays the quarterback card close to his vest when asked about Keelon Russell and Austin Mack
Kalen DeBoer has a plan at quarterback, but he’s not willing to share it.
One thing is certain about the quarterback position for the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2026: there will be a new starter. However, ever since Ty Simpson announced his intention to declare for the NFL Draft, the question has been, which one.
Well, Kalen DeBoer may have an idea of who that is, but he’s not willing to share.
Kalen DeBoer is happy to have Keelon Russell and Austin Mack back
“It’s huge,” DeBoer said via AL.com’s YouTube channel. “Two guys who know our system at quarterback. Just the way, with an offensive line that’s got some leaders who are gone, two quarterbacks who can carry over from last year what we did and keep it moving forward.”
For Kalen DeBoer, year three might be make or break for his tenure at the capstone. The trenches have been rebuilt, and the Crimson Tide will be banking on a comeback season from Ryan Williams and a breakout year from Lotzeir Brooks.
But none of that will matter if they miss on the quarterback position. For the first time since he took over, Kalen DeBoer can hand-pick his quarterback. Both Jalen Milroe and Simpson were carry-overs from the Saban era. Mack and Russell are both DeBoer commits. Which, for a coach labeled a QB guru, could be a major development for Alabama.
Ty Simpson endorses Keelon Russell, Austin Mack
“It was one of the best rooms I’ve ever been apart of. Being in the room with Austin for 2 years, I was able to watch him grow. Keelon coming in and being eager and just wanting to learn. I’m really excited about those two,” Simpson told Larry Rudolph of QB Country.
The bottom line is that Alabama’s 2026 season will go as far as its quarterback play takes them. It feels like the early frontrunner is Russell, but with all of spring practices, summer workouts, and fall camp on deck, anything can happen and A to Z Sports Alabama will be here to cover all of it.
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