2026 Alabama Roster Rundown: Quarterbacks

[JessN]

Previews are cranking up with a look at the quarterbacks. We'll put up all eight of these positional previews in the coming days, then switch over to looking at opponents: https://news.tidefans.com/2026/07/10/2026-alabama-roster-rundown-quarterbacks/

 

[CrimsonTitles]

Great work, as always. Can the season go ahead and start already? I'm ready. Roll Tide!

 

[Windsortide]

Great write up. The QB position should be elite for the foreseeable future looking at the current depth chart and the future commitments. RTR

 

[BamaMoon]

Previews are cranking up with a look at the quarterbacks. We'll put up all eight of these positional previews in the coming days, then switch over to looking at opponents: https://news.tidefans.com/2026/07/10/2026-alabama-roster-rundown-quarterbacks/

Not that my opinion matters, but I'm glad it agrees with you. Russell's talent is just too great not to play. His ceiling is so high, it's worth it even though we know he will make some freshman mistakes.

Citing he could be better than Penix sounds crazy to everyone who doesn't know anything about him. For the last year or so, we've heard he is best compared to Jayden Daniels. If he turns out to be the college version of either of those players, I think the Bama Nation will be thrilled!

 

[Alasippi2]

Not that my opinion matters, but I'm glad it agrees with you. Russell's talent is just too great not to play. His ceiling is so high, it's worth it even though we know he will make some freshman mistakes.

Citing he could be better than Penix sounds crazy to everyone who doesn't know anything about him. For the last year or so, we've heard he is best compared to Jayden Daniels. If he turns out to be the college version of either of those players, I think the Bama Nation will be thrilled!

I agree. Joel Klatt even recently said, "Starter or not and no matter who Bama is playing Keelon Russell will be the best athlete on the field." I think both play significantly in game one against East Carolina and those performances will determine the starter against Kentucky. I personally think Russell gives Bama a wow factor that we really kinda need right now, but I also think, at this point, Mack will start game one because he's been taking snaps from Delgatty in QB drills while Keelon is taking snaps(Currently) from the backup center. I know Coach D. feels a certain sense of loyalty to Mack, but he can not under any circumstances let that have relevance in his ultimate decision. We HAVE to pick the quarterback who gives us the best chance to get back into the national championship picture. That being said, in my opinion, the Quarterback position is o.k. regardless to start the season. As the season progresses Keelon is our upside squared!

 

[Ledsteplin]

I agree. Joel Klatt even recently said, "Starter or not and no matter who Bama is playing Keelon Russell will be the best athlete on the field." I think both play significantly in game one against East Carolina and those performances will determine the starter against Kentucky. I personally think Russell gives Bama a wow factor that we really kinda need right now, but I also think, at this point, Mack will start game one because he's been taking snaps from Delgatty in QB drills while Keelon is taking snaps(Currently) from the backup center. I know Coach D. feels a certain sense of loyalty to Mack, but he can not under any circumstances let that have relevance in his ultimate decision. We HAVE to pick the quarterback who gives us the best chance to get back into the national championship picture. That being said, in my opinion, the Quarterback position is o.k. regardless to start the season. As the season progresses Keelon is our upside squared!

Russell looked good at A-Day. And everyone sees that as "He's the one!". But I'm not yet convinced. Mack was playing with an injury at A-Day, and had to leave the game early. But don't underestimate Mack. He's much better than many fans realize. Mack is a Senior, and likely will start, if he and Russell are still even in two weeks. The first two games should give more clarity as to who should lead the Tide offense. We need to see both playing with the first team offense.

 

[BamaMoon]

Russell looked good at A-Day. And everyone sees that as "He's the one!". But I'm not yet convinced. Mack was playing with an injury at A-Day, and had to leave the game early. But don't underestimate Mack. He's much better than many fans realize. Mack is a Senior, and likely will start, if he and Russell are still even in two weeks. The first two games should give more clarity as to who should lead the Tide offense. We need to see both playing with the first team offense.

JMO, I don't think we are underestimating Mack; some are underestimating Russell.

 

[UKTideFan1961]

JMO, I don't think we are underestimating Mack; some are underestimating Russell.

I agree. I think Mack can be a really good QB. But I also think Keelon can be a great QB. I was at a practice in the spring and Keelon's release is incredible. I get that Mack has been in the system, but at this point Keelon has gone through two spring cycles and two falls (including this one). That's not as much as Mack but should give him plenty of time to have learned the system

As for game experience, in 3 seasons (including a redshirt) Mack has attempted 35 passes while Russell has attempted 15. So there is no significant difference in game experience.

Also, while Mack is in his fourth year, he only tuned 20 on June 5 while Keelon turned 19 on April 24 meaning there is not much age/physical growth difference between them.

Another consideration is 2007. If Mack starts this season, Russell will leave. It's possible Mack could come back but he could also go to the NFL. If Russell starts, Mack will leave but we would have Russell coming back. We need Russell here in 2027 to get us to the next guy.