Mac Jones named Alabama starting quarterback

As ESPN's Alex Scarborough reported, Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban officially named Mac Jones his starting quarterback for Saturday's season opener at Missouri.

Jones, a redshirt junior, was the favorite to begin the campaign ahead of top-tier prospect Bryce Young after shining during his stint as a replacement for the injured Tua Tagovailoa, who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins this past spring, last fall. 

Per Scarborough, Jones notched the second-highest QBR (92.7) in the country from Oct. 25 through the end of the 2019 season. He tossed four touchdowns versus the Auburn Tigers and then found the end zone three times against the Michigan Wolverines in Alabama's 35-16 Citrus Bowl win. 

Taulia Tagovailoa, Tua's younger brother, had his transfer from Alabama to Maryland officially approved in August.