Alabama Names Keelon Russell Starting QB for 2026 Season

Alabama has named sophomore Keelon Russell as its starting quarterback for the 2026 season, ending a closely watched competition with senior Austin Mack. The decision was announced by head coach Kalen DeBoer on Saturday, August 22, 2026, following the conclusion of fall camp. Russell, a former five-star recruit, will lead the Crimson Tide into their season opener against East Carolina on September 5.

The choice concludes weeks of speculation about who would replace Ty Simpson, who departed after last season and was selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. Russell won the job over Mack, who had followed DeBoer from Washington and served as Simpson's backup last year. According to reports, the competition remained tight throughout the summer, with both quarterbacks showing strong moments in practice.

Russell arrives with a highly decorated high school résumé from Duncanville High School in Texas, where he won two state championships and was named the 2024-25 Gatorade National Player of the Year. He played sparingly as a freshman last season, appearing in two blowout victories. Coaches have praised his dual-threat ability, noting his capacity to...