Kalen DeBoer looks for leadership in his next QB1 at Alabama

Ty Simpson will continue his journey in the NFL, leaving the starting quarterback spot at the Alabama Crimson Tide vacant. Still, Kalen DeBoer knows that whoever earns the role will need to demonstrate leadership and a deep knowledge of the offense.

“We’ve got to choose the best one when we really know,” the head coach said on Josh Pate’s College Football Show. “I think that’s going to be something that drags on to the fall. We’ll see. We declared Ty the starter a little bit earlier than I would’ve anticipated a year ago.“

DeBoer also praised the work done so far by Austin Mack and Keelon Russell: “The offense, in particular, with so many new linemen and a couple other guys and the backfield that needs some guys to step up, I really appreciate what Austin and Keelon are doing in their leadership role. At some point, there’s going to be a hard time for one of them, when we do decide and move forward with a starter.”

Who will be QB1 in Tuscaloosa?

Keelon Russell is currently seen by many analysts as the favorite to win the job following a redshirt freshman year where he showed elite efficiency, completing 73.3% of his passes and throwing 2 touchdowns in limited backup action. However, he faces stiff competition from Austin Mack, a redshirt junior who has spent three years in DeBoer’s system and served as the primary backup last season, recording 228 passing yards and 2 scores in four appearances.

Keelon Russell #12 of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

While Russell offers higher physical upside and “future of the program” status, Mack’s extensive experience with the coaching staff makes this a tight race that will likely be decided late in August.

See also

Kalen DeBoer never had any intention of leaving Alabama

A tough schedule ahead

Alabama will kick off the 2026 season with a challenging stretch that balances high-profile non-conference matchups and early SEC tests. The Crimson Tide opens at home against East Carolina on September 5, followed by their first road trip to face Kentucky in Lexington on September 12.

Returning to Tuscaloosa, Alabama will host a massive showdown against Florida State on September 19 before welcoming South Carolina for an SEC clash on September 26. The opening month concludes on October 3, when the team travels to Starkville to take on Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium.