With Ty Simpson now a member of the Los Angeles Rams, the Alabama Crimson Tide need a new starting quarterback.
The team is auditioning two possible replacements in fall camp — Austin Mack and Keelon Russell.
Both players were highly sought-after recruits. Mack was a four-star passer and the No. 73 overall player in the class of 2023, according to 247Sports. Russell, a five-star QB, was the No. 2-ranked quarterback and the No. 2 overall recruit in the class of 2025.
With it being an open competition, fall camp performances will presumably go a long way toward determining who wins the QB1 job. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, one signal-caller is starting to pull away a little bit.
“Sources who watched Thursday’s scrimmage said both quarterbacks had strong moments, but it was the former five-star recruit Russell who was making plays,” Nakos reported. “That has been the buzz for most of camp, with Mack stringing together consistent day after consistent day while Russell has moments where he dazzles.
“Russell’s ability to stretch plays with his legs has been evident, sources told On3. One source told On3 that Russell looked like a “stud” at Thursday’s scrimmage. The second-year quarterback threw multiple touchdowns and also had an interception.”
Head coach Kalen DeBoer told reporters he wasn’t ready to declare a starter (or reveal who’s currently leading the QB battle) just yet.
In two seasons, Mack has completed 26 of 35 passes (74.3%) for 267 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
Conversely, Russell has seen even less action. He’s attempted just 15 passes, completing 11, or 143 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions.