Alabama has named its starting quarterback

The choice is a bit of an upset, as Mack was more experienced and served as Ty Simpson’s primary backup in 2025. He has spent four years playing for Kalen DeBoer, and knows his system well. Mack even appeared in the Rose Bowl after Simpson suffered an injury.

Russell, however, is the more highly-touted prospect. He was the No. 2 recruit in the class of 2025 and played in two games as a freshman last season. He is regarded as an excellent playmaker with a high ceiling.

Alabama has six relatively straightforward games, albeit at least one warm one, before they face the murderers’ row of George, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and LSU. That should give Russell time to get comfortable before the big tests arrive.