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Alabama media day photo op provides tell on QB battle.
The Alabama football team held a media day event over the weekend in Tuscaloosa. A viral photo opportunity is fueling the ongoing starting QB debate.
Did Crimson Tide players reveal a starter?
The current quarterback battle has come down to two players – Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. Each provides a unique skillset. Both are making a case to be named the starter.
Mack is a veteran that’s been in the Kalen DeBoer system for three seasons. He signed with Washington as a high school senior and transferred to Alabama after Year 1.
Mack has played sparingly thus far, but with Ty Simpson off to the NFL, he has a chance to land the keys to the offense. Across two seasons in Tuscaloosa, he’s thrown for 267 yards and three scores while completing nearly 75% of his attempts. The 6′ 6″ signal caller also ran for a score last year.
Teammate Marshall Pritchett called him “a true prototype NFL quarterback,” adding that “he’s a huge kid.” Mack is dependable. He won’t make the big mistake. A true game manager.
Russell brings another skillset to the backfield. He is the highest rated recruit in Alabama history. Pritchett described the second-year player as “dynamite in a bottle.”
“The guy’s an incredible athlete… He just makes throws and it’s like, you rewind the film, you’re like, ‘There’s no way he just did that. How did he just do that?’ That’s the only way to explain Keelon. The guy’s dynamite.”
-Marshall Pritchett on Keelon Russell
Who will win the Alabama starting QB job?
At this point in time, no starter has been named. Coaches are staying mum on the subject. They’ll let the battle wage on into the preseason.
Both passers showed flashes in the spring game. Russell undoubtedly outperformed his counterpart.
The youngster threw for 200 yards and four scores. Mack completed seven passes for 111 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
The performance may have given Russell a supposed edge, but the separation is minimal. Mack’s experience is valued. He’s been a steady presence in the locker room.
With that said, Russell has the “It” factor. He makes plays on the football field that others simply cannot. It may come with mistakes, but it’s a risk most fans would be willing to take. We’ll soon see if coaches feel the same way.
Players, too, have been quiet on the race, a stance that continued into the weekend. Alabama held a media day event on Saturday. Teammates were asked questions about each passer. No one was willing to provide an update.
“We have two great quarterbacks,” said receiver Lotzeir Brooks. “They battle and fight every day. At the end of the day, they love each other. We love them. Whoever comes out to play with us, it doesn’t matter, they both are great quarterbacks.”
No one will talk about the QB competition. Players are dropping clues, though. As the old adage goes, actions often speak louder than words.
Is Keelon Russell Alabama’s guy?
Keelon Russell’s teammates crash his autograph session at @AlabamaFTBL Media Day. 😂@garyharris_wvua @AlexBootheTV @WVUA23Sports pic.twitter.com/yhJovw3Dpx
— Caleb Hickman (@its_chickman) August 8, 2026
During the media day session, Crimson Tide players gathered around the redshirt freshman for a photo op after an autograph session. Many believe it was a sign.
Does the team know something the public doesn’t? Has Keelon Russell been named the starter inside the Alabama locker room? I can neither confirm nor deny. His teammates’ excitement certainly fuels speculation.
We should know more in the months to come. The Crimson Tide kick off the season in less than a month against East Carolina. Kalen DeBoer will want to have his guy in place with some time to spare. Until then, the fanbase will have to sit back and wait for a starter to be officially named.