Alabama's Kalen DeBoer is Prolonging a Difficult Decision
Kalen DeBoer reveals that Alabama's starting quarterback decision will stretch into fall camp, with Austin Mack and Keelon Russell vying for the crucial role.
Alabama's Kalen DeBoer Provides Long-Term Update on Quarterback Battle In 2025, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson had to do it all. Simpson led the Crimson Tide to an appearance in the SEC Championship Game and to the College Football Playoff quarterfinal without much help from, the rushing attack. After losing to Indiana 38-3 in the Rose Bowl, Simpson heard from enough NFL general managers that he was first-round material, prompting him to enter the 2026 NFL Draft instead of returning to college football.
This spring, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell are in a battle to replace Simpson as the starting quarterback of Alabama. During an appearance on "Josh Pate's College Football Show," on Thursday, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer suggested the quarterback battle would continue deep into training camp. “We’ve got to choose the best one when we really know,” DeBoer said.
“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. "We’re always talking about it, as well, and each day in practice, making sure we’re communicating as a coaching staff.
I really credit (offensive coordinator Ryan) Grubb, Bryan Ellis now is the quarterbacks coach. " DeBoer noted the offense as a whole is facing challenges with multiple new offensive lineman and the backfield, which was an issue for the Crimson Tide last season. DeBoer sees Mack and Russell as leaders who can help elevate their teammates this fall.