Alabama makes Keelon Russell, Austin Mack decision ahead of Week 1

What should Alabama fans expect from Keelon Russell?

Russell was a five-star recruit in the 2025 class and is expected to be a dual-threat quarterback, similar to Jalen Milroe and Jalen Hurts, both of whom were starters at Alabama.

In his limited time last season against bad competition, Russell showed his ability to be on time and on target with his throws, and that aspect of his game is only expected to get better with time and repetition.

Austin Mack is a solid backup option

Mack has the potential to be among the best backup quarterbacks in the country. This will be his third season with the Crimson Tide, and he does have a bit of experience with the system.

He's completed 26 of 35 attempts for 267 yards with three touchdowns across his first two seasons, as well as nine rushing attempts for 22 yards and a rushing touchdown.

The combination of Russell and Mack this season could potentially be one of the deepest quarterback rooms in not only the SEC but all of college football.