Keelon Russell Shines at A-Day While Austin Mack Struggles Amid Quarterback Battle

April 14, 2026 Michael Brauner Alabama, Alabama, Featured News
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 06: Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell (12) warms up prior to the start of the SEC Championship college football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs on December 6th, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire)

The Alabama Crimson Tide hosted A-Day this past weekend at Bryant-Denny Stadium in what was a highly anticipated return to the game scrimmage format and fans got their first look at what year three of the Kalen DeBoer era could look like.

The talking point this spring is the quarterback battle in former Washington transfer Austin Mack against highly-touted former five-star Keelon Russell.

Russell was as advertised, finishing 21 of 33 for 240 yards and four touchdowns, though he did throw an interception.

Mack, who played a whole lot less than Russell, struggled en route to completing six of his 12 passing attempts for roughly 100 yards with a touchdown and an interception of his own.

After the game, DeBoer revealed that Mack has been dealing with an injury during camp that limited him a bit in the game, a telling statement which could pump the brakes on those who think Russell already has one hand on the job.

Mack likely entered the spring with a leg up given that he has an extra year in DeBoer’s system and served as the backup quarterback last year, but the talent of Russell is undeniable and was on full display on Saturday.

With the entire summer and fall camp still to go through, it’s safe to say this decision is far from made at this point and both contenders can still make their case.

For the first time in front of live fans, it does feel like Russell took a big step forward towards making that happen this weekend.