What Kalen DeBoer said about Alabama quarterbacks at SEC media days
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On Wednesday morning, Alabama football head coach Kalen DeBoer took the podium in Tampa as part of his media availability at 2026 SEC media days.
During this, DeBoer was asked about the Crimson Tide‘s ongoing quarterback competition, a storyline that has been a focal talking point of Alabama’s offseason up to this point. DeBoer provided an update on the competition as well, with the Alabama head coach comparing both Mack and Russell on where they are right now, as well as when he might potentially name a starter ahead of the 2026 season.
“Guys that are in different years as far as Austin going into his fourth year, really fourth year in this system, Keelon going into his second, so a little bit of a difference there,” DeBoer said. “I know that both of them would say what they know now versus what they even knew a year ago, I think especially in Keelon’s case when it comes to football knowledge, understanding of the offense, understanding how you attack a defense, defensive structure. I think their reps have helped them really take these big jumps, especially in the last five months, and I think last year helped them too with the reps we give them. We’re very intentional with how we distribute them.”
“I think skillset-wise you’re talking about a much taller, bigger quarterback with Austin. Austin I think will surprise people when he really gets out and runs because he runs very well, better I think than most people think. Keelon is very versatile that way, you know, has created with his legs as a high school football player. You can see it at times. It’s hard to replicate when you’re in practice and a guy is not live, and what that might lead to on the football field in a game, but both of them are more than capable.”
“I think they’re high-level, elite quarterbacks. Fortunately we have them both in our program and it’s going to be a competition that’s going to lead to a tough decision, one that we’re fortunate to have. It’s going to be one that when we do make the decision we’ll be confident we’ll do a great job. They are two guys that are well respected by our entire football team because of how they work, who they are as people, and the production and what they look like on the football field.”
Alabama’s quarterback competition features a pair of returning players in the aforementioned Mack and Russell, a duo which served as second-and-third string on the Crimson Tide’s depth chart, respectively, last year behind Ty Simpson.
Of the two, Mack appeared in four games a year ago, completing 24-of-32 passes for 228 yards and two scores, while also rushing for a touchdown. Mack is also entering his third season at Alabama, as well as fourth overall in DeBoer’s system dating back to his time at Washington.
As for Russell, the former top recruit appeared in two games a year ago as a freshman, completing 11-of-15 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns. This will be Russell’s second season in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama is set to open the 2026 season at home Sept. 5 against East Carolina. The Crimson Tide’s starter will likely be named at some point during fall camp, which is set to begin in the coming weeks.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: What Kalen DeBoer said about Alabama quarterbacks at SEC media days
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