Alabama QB battle sees a major swing following spring game
Kalen DeBoer's decision on Alabama's QB gets tougher.
Alabama QB battle sees a major swing following spring game originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The 2026 Alabama Crimson Tide spring game drew tons of attention to the battle for QB1 between fourth-year junior Austin Mack and redshirt freshman Keelon Russell.
Following the scrimmage, Kalen DeBoer might be put in a tough situation where he’s forced to start a freshman come Week 1. Russell led the Tide on nine total drives for the day, throwing 21/33 for 24o yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Mack, in five drives, went 6/12 for 101 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Although Mack started the day, he was limited due to a minor preexisting injury and did not receive any medical attention on the sideline. “We just had to limit Austin just with some stuff. That was why,” DeBoer said.
“This week was a little bit where Keelon got more reps, just with some things Austin’s going through. Austin’s good for the most part, but wasn’t able to finish it out. But he’ll be fine.