RADIO
Keelon Russell, Austin Mack "Still Even" in Alabama QB Competition
Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said the quarterback competition between senior Austin Mack and sophomore Keelon Russell is "still even" when asked if either player has separated themselves so far in fall camp. Mack spent the 2023 season behind Michael Penix Jr. at Washington under head coach Kalen DeBoer before following him to Tuscaloosa, while Russell spent his freshman year backing up Mack and Ty Simpson last season. Russell played in two games last year, completing 11 of his 15 passing attempts for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Mack appeared in four games, compiling 228 passing yards and two touchdowns. Both are former highly-rated recruits, but Russell was the No. 2 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class. The competition for the QB1 job will continue deep into fall camp, but whoever wins the starting position should be expected to be productive in Grubb's high-flying passing offense. Alabama opens the season playing host to East Carolina, so both quarterbacks will likely see live reps in Week 1.
Source: Charlie Potter
Source: Charlie Potter
