There’s already a lively debate unfolding among Alabama football fans this offseason, and it centers around the quarterback room — more specifically, the battle for the No. 2 spot behind returning starter Jalen Milroe. The Crimson Tide’s spring practices and early fall camp sessions have seen a surge of intrigue surrounding two talented signal-callers: true sophomore Austin Mack and incoming freshman Keelon Russell. While it’s far from a final decision, early reports and insider buzz indicate that Mack may be gaining an edge in the competition, leaving some fans surprised given the hype surrounding Russell’s arrival. But if Austin Mack does, in fact, beat out Keelon Russell for QB2, it could be a positive sign — not just for Mack’s development, but for Alabama football as a whole.
To understand the full scope of the situation, it helps to take a closer look at the players involved. Austin Mack is entering his second year with the Tide after enrolling early as a member of the 2023 recruiting class. A 4-star recruit from California, Mack was initially viewed as a developmental quarterback with a high ceiling. He didn’t see the field much during his freshman campaign but was praised by coaches for his intelligence, film study habits, and steady progression behind the scenes.
Keelon Russell, on the other hand, arrived with more fanfare. A consensus 4-star prospect from Duncanville, Texas, Russell had a highly productive high school career and impressed national evaluators with his arm strength, mobility, and poise under pressure. Many Alabama fans were hoping Russell might surge up the depth chart quickly — possibly even challenging for QB1 in the post-Milroe era as early as next season. His raw talent and recruiting pedigree sparked early comparisons to other Alabama greats, and his commitment had been seen as a major recruiting win for Kalen DeBoer’s staff.
So when news trickled out that Mack had edged ahead of Russell in early reps and internal evaluations, some eyebrows were raised. But while the instinct may be to worry about Russell’s development or the overall strength of the quarterback room, Mack’s emergence should actually be viewed as a promising development — and a reflection of the culture and structure Alabama is building under new leadership.
First and foremost, Mack winning the backup quarterback role would be a testament to patience and development. In the modern era of college football, it’s rare to see a quarterback wait his turn without transferring at the first sign of depth chart adversity. Mack stuck around. He learned the system. He grew in the weight room. And he clearly impressed the coaching staff enough to be trusted as the potential next man up. That’s the kind of internal development that programs with long-term success depend on — and it’s a positive shift from the transfer portal frenzy that has redefined roster management in recent years.
Secondly, this battle isn’t necessarily a referendum on Keelon Russell’s potential. It’s possible — even likely — that Russell is progressing exactly as he should be. Quarterback is a difficult position to learn at the college level, especially in a pro-style system like the one DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan are implementing. Russell may just need time to adjust to the speed of the college game, digest the playbook, and develop chemistry with receivers. That’s not a knock — it’s reality. And it doesn’t preclude him from being a future star in Tuscaloosa.
But if Mack is earning QB2 over someone as talented as Russell, it means Alabama has depth and competition — two crucial ingredients for any national championship contender. Healthy competition in the quarterback room elevates everyone. Milroe is the clear starter heading into the season, but having competent, game-ready backups is essential. It wasn’t long ago that Alabama’s national title hopes were salvaged by backup quarterbacks — think Tua Tagovailoa in the 2018 national championship game or Mac Jones stepping up after Tua’s injury in 2019.
If Mack is demonstrating the poise, accuracy, and leadership necessary to be trusted in a game situation, that gives Alabama another valuable asset behind Milroe. It also gives the coaching staff flexibility in how they use both quarterbacks in different situations, perhaps utilizing Mack’s skill set in certain packages or mop-up duty — experiences that will be critical if his number is ever called in a big game.
Moreover, Mack’s ascension in the depth chart might suggest that the coaching staff is identifying and rewarding the traits that matter most in their offensive system. One of the big unknowns heading into the 2025 season is how Alabama’s new coaching staff evaluates and utilizes quarterbacks. With DeBoer and Sheridan coming from Washington, where they developed Michael Penix Jr. into a Heisman finalist and eventual NFL quarterback, there’s now an emphasis on decision-making, timing, and accuracy more than just arm strength or raw athleticism.
If Mack is getting the nod over Russell, it could be that he’s executing the offense more efficiently during practice, making better reads, and showing command in the huddle. That, more than anything, should give fans confidence that Alabama’s quarterback evaluation process is working. It’s not about recruiting stars or social media hype — it’s about putting the best guy in the best position to help the team.
Another aspect to consider is the message this sends to other players on the roster. If Mack, a relatively unheralded name in a room filled with blue-chip talent, can win the backup job by staying focused and putting in the work, it sets a precedent for the entire team. It reinforces the idea that performance matters more than pedigree. That kind of merit-based culture is what built Alabama’s dynasty under Nick Saban, and it’s exactly what Kalen DeBoer needs to cultivate in this new era.
There’s also the long-term picture. Jalen Milroe, barring injury or surprise NFL Draft decision, will likely be the starter for one more season. That means the competition between Mack and Russell isn’t just about who backs up in 2025 — it’s about who’s setting themselves up to take over the reins in 2026. A strong showing by Mack this year, even as a backup, could create momentum heading into the next quarterback competition. If he continues to develop, he might very well be a legitimate contender to start once Milroe departs.
Of course, it’s entirely possible that Russell could take over the QB2 role later this season or next. These battles are fluid. Injuries happen. Players improve at different rates. What matters now is that Alabama has multiple quarterbacks who are pushing each other, taking their development seriously, and giving the coaching staff real options.
Finally, from a recruiting perspective, the message is also clear: you will have to earn your spot in Tuscaloosa. For future quarterback recruits, this is a signal that Alabama isn’t just handing out jobs — they are building a system based on internal development, competition, and readiness. For fans, that should be reassuring. Alabama isn’t chasing quick fixes or instant gratification. They’re building a quarterback room the right way — one where patience, performance, and preparation matter more than rankings.
In a college football world where the transfer portal looms large and quarterbacks switch schools like musical chairs, having a player like Austin Mack rise through the ranks should be seen as a strength, not a concern. It means Alabama is developing talent from within and creating an environment where players can grow into key contributors — even if they aren’t the flashiest name in the room.
So, while some may continue to wonder why Keelon Russell hasn’t immediately locked up the backup role, the bigger story might be the one hiding in plain sight: Austin Mack’s progress is a good thing. It’s a sign of depth. It’s a sign of development. And most of all, it’s a sign that Alabama football — under new leadership — is still investing in the fundamentals that made it great.
If that’s not reason for optimism, what is?
