What did we learn about Alabama football QB battle? Spring practice notes

Another Alabama football quarterback battle is underway.

Three practices into the Crimson Tide’s spring practice schedule, redshirt junior Austin Mack and redshirt freshman Keelon Russell were side by side during the viewing session, throwing curl routes and short digs to receivers like Ryan Coleman-Williams and Rico Scott. Scott and Coleman-Williams were followed by NC State transfer Noah Rogers and Derek Meadows.

Austin Mack 🤝 Ryan Coleman-Williams

Alabama football spring practice is underway. @tuscaloosanewspic.twitter.com/a96wfKGZt0

— Colin Gay (@_ColinGay) March 12, 2026

As instrumental versions of Metallica’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “Masters of Puppets” blared, Mack went through routes in between drills with Meadows and Coleman-Williams.

During individual drills, Mack led the pack, handing the ball off to Daniel Hill during running back drills and working with both sophomore Kaleb Edwards and Oklahoma State tight end Josh Ford with the tight ends.

After Alabama‘s second spring practice Tuesday, March 10, DeBoer said both Mack and Russell are “playing with confidence” and both are “light years ahead of where they were a year ago.”

Both seem to be getting play early in spring for a battle that should run well into fall.

Here are a few other takeaways from Alabama’s third spring practice:

Alabama football offensive line shows starting point

Alabama may have time to iron out its new offensive line with new coach Adrian Klemm. But the Crimson Tide seems to have a starting point.

Michael Carroll and Michigan transfer Ty Haywood manned the tackle spots with Cal Poly transfer Racin Delgatty at center. With William Sanders out for spring, Nick Brooks was seen at left guard with Mal Waldrep Jr. on the right. Jackson Lloyd was also taking reps at tackle.

Carmelo O’Neal looks at home with Alabama cornerbacks

Mercer transfer Carmelo O’Neal looks like he’s right at home with a big-bodied Alabama cornerbacks room, looking all of 6-foot-4, 209 pounds.

Alabama football defensive line looks much bigger

With a goal to get bigger up front in 2026, Alabama obliged. Oregon transfer Terrance Green towered over many of his teammates, looking all of 6-foot-5, 319 pounds and representing a room that looks to be much more intimidating heading into year three of the defensive coordinator Kane Wommack scheme.

Where were Alabama coordinators?

During the viewing period, Wommack was seen working with the safety room, pulling aside both Ivan Taylor and Zavier Mincey for tips after drills. Alabama starting safety Bray Hubbard is limited this spring.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb was seen working with the quarterbacks.

Alabama running back hierarchy

Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley continue to lead the pack in Alabama’s running back room, followed by AK Dear, transfer Khalifa Keith and freshman Trae’shawn Brown. Ezavier Crowell was limited in reps.

Alabama football theme unveiled

On a screen at the 30-yard line, the word “Unbreakable” was shown, just over the Alabama and Nike logos.

Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football spring practice notes: What to know about Tide QBs