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Alabama QB Competition Heats Up Ahead of 2026 Season

7/23/2026

Summary

DeBoer Weighs QBs

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said the competition between quarterbacks Keelon Russell and Austin Mack will force a tough decision at fall camp.
DeBoer noted both have equal reps and that poise and ball-moving ability will decide the starter.
He praised Mack’s two extra years in his system and said his athletic legs may surprise observers.
Russell impressed in the April A-Day scrimmage, prompting many fans to favor him.

Summary

DeBoer Revamps Line

DeBoer hired offensive-line coach Adrian Klemm and added 11 new front-seven players for 2026.
Alabama’s 2025 rushing output was 104.1 yards per game (3.4 yards per carry), ranking near the SEC bottom.
The 2026 backfield—Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley, AK Dear and true freshmen EJ Crowell and Trae'shawn Brown—and line starters—Jackson Lloyd, William Sanders, Michael Carroll, Racin Delgatty and Jayvin James—feature Carroll as the only returning lineman.
Alabama opens 2026 versus East Carolina on Sept. 5 and then meets Kentucky and South Carolina, both with defensive fronts.

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DeBoer Weighs QBs

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said the competition between quarterbacks Keelon Russell and Austin Mack will force a tough decision at fall camp.
DeBoer noted both have equal reps and that poise and ball-moving ability will decide the starter.
He praised Mack’s two extra years in his system and said his athletic legs may surprise observers.
Russell impressed in the April A-Day scrimmage, prompting many fans to favor him.

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