TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) – Reports Saturday morning say that Keelon Russell has been named the starting quarterback for the No. 13 Alabama Crimson Tide.
FILE – Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell (12) warms up before the first round of an NCAA College Football Playoff game against Oklahoma, Dec. 19, 2025, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams, File)(Alonzo Adams | AP)
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Saturday morning that sources have told him the sophomore has won the job over Austin Mack.
The Duncanville, Texas, native saw action in just two lopsided games as a freshman, completing 11 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns.
Russell will replace Ty Simpson, who led Alabama to the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl before being taken by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the NFL Draft in April.
It was reported earlier this week that head coach Kalen DeBoer was close to choosing a starter after a competitive quarterback battle between Russell and last year’s backup, Austin Mack.
Mack stepped in for an injured Simpson in the Rose Bowl, going 11-of-16 for 103 yards in the Tide’s loss to eventual National Champion Indiana.
Alabama will kick off their season Saturday, Sept. 5 against East Carolina inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m.
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