Alabama has its quarterback for the 2026 college football season, as Keelon Russell was named the starter by coach Kalen DeBoer on Saturday. Russell and Austin Mack were locked into a tight battle for the No. 1 spot on the depth chart throughout the offseason, but Russell pulled ahead in the battle to replace Ty Simpson this fall.
Russell — a five-star prospect in the 2025 signing class — played in two contests for the Crimson Tide last year. However, those appearances showcased why the Texas native has all of the makings of the next star quarterback in Tuscaloosa. Over 37 snaps, Russell completed 11 of 15 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns. It’s a small sample size, but a 9.5 yards per attempt rate reflected a willingness to push the ball downfield and generate explosive plays. Also, he flashed mobility with 17 yards over three carries.
As with any first-year starter, Russell is due for his share of growing pains. However, the upside and talent are obvious for an Alabama team that enters 2026 in an interesting spot. The Crimson Tide have lower preseason expectations than in recent years and have plenty of question marks around the quarterback with a rebuilt offensive line and the need to spark a sluggish ground game.
As showcased by this data from Hudl IQ, the upside of Russell was obvious in limited snaps:
Russell’s mobility will be a huge asset in keeping plays alive as the offensive line comes into its own in ‘26. The threat of the quarterback run could help open up lanes for running backs Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley and talented freshmen EJ Crowell and Trae’shawn Brown.
Upside, raw talent, mobility, and the ability to deliver big plays are probably the easiest way to sum up why Russell had the edge on Mack for the No. 1 spot.
This decision is a crucial one for DeBoer. Alabama is coming off an 11-win season and an appearance in the College Football Playoff. However, the Crimson Tide were soundly defeated by Indiana in the Rose Bowl (38-3), leaving plenty of doubts about whether this staff can get the program back to a national championship.
DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb both have a strong track record of developing quarterbacks in stops at Fresno State, Washington and at Alabama. Included in that mix were Jake Haener, Michael Penix Jr., Jalen Milroe (Grubb worked as the Seahawks’ coordinator in DeBoer’s first year in Tuscaloosa) and 2026 NFL first-round pick Ty Simpson.
Considering that track record, along with Russell’s raw talent in limited snaps, the sophomore seems poised to add his name to the list of successful prospects under DeBoer and Grubb’s watch. The development of the offensive line looms large in Tuscaloosa this season. But with a system friendly to quarterbacks, and plenty of weapons at receiver, Russell is arguably one of college football’s top breakout players this fall. And all signs point to the second-year player delivering a standout debut in 2026.
