# Alabama names Keelon Russell as starting quarterback > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/alabama-quarterback-competition > Updated: 2026-09-03T04:07:11.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 10. The competition for the starting quarterback position at Alabama has concluded, with the coaching staff naming sophomore Keelon Russell as the starter for the 2026 season. Head coach Kalen DeBoer, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, and quarterbacks coach Bryan Ellis selected Russell, a dual-threat former five-star recruit and the 2025 Gatorade National Player of the Year, over senior Austin Mack. Russell made his first career start on September 5 against East Carolina, leading the Crimson Tide to a 48-10 victory. During the game, Russell recorded between 249 and 256 passing yards and led the team in rushing with 86 yards and a touchdown. While demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities, he also showed signs of inexperience, specifically a ‘lackluster third quarter’ and issues with ‘operational speed in the huddle.’ Coach DeBoer indicated the staff will focus on teaching Russell how to slide and protect his body. Receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams contributed significantly to the win with 130 receiving yards on five receptions. Following the season opener, Alabama prepares to begin SEC play against Kentucky. In addition to the quarterback decision, the offensive line has largely been determined. Junior William Sanders has secured the left guard position following offseason surgery, joining Jackson Lloyd, Racin Delgatty, and Michael Carroll, while Jayvin James competes for the right tackle spot. Ahead of the season, the Crimson Tide depth chart named Ryan Coleman-Williams, Lotzeir Brooks, and Rico Scott as starters in the wide receiver group, though Noah Rogers and AK Dear were noted as injured. ## Claims - Keelon Russell showed impressive play during Alabama's scrimmage on August 13. (single source) - Austin Mack has a projected NIL value of $2.2 million. (single source) - Keelon Russell has a confirmed $2 million NIL deal with Alabama. (single source) - EJ Crowell missed the scrimmage but is not expected to miss any games. (single source) - AK suffered an injury during the scrimmage and is under evaluation. (single source) - Kalshi prediction market odds place Alabama at a 40% probability of making the College Football Playoff. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: Alabama Crimson Tide release depth chart ahead of season opener Alabama has released its season-opening depth chart naming Keelon Russell as starting quarterback, while analyst Greg McElroy dismissed rumors regarding coach Kalen DeBoer's job security. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-crimson-tide-release-depth-chart-ahead-of-season-opener ### 2026-08-31: Alabama football names starting quarterback and offensive line Alabama football has named sophomore Keelon Russell as the starting quarterback and largely finalized its offensive line heading into the season opener against East Carolina. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-football-names-starting-quarterback-and-offensive-line ### 2026-08-22: Alabama names Keelon Russell as starting quarterback Alabama has named sophomore Keelon Russell as its starting quarterback for the upcoming season, selecting the former five-star recruit over veteran Austin Mack. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-names-keelon-russell-as-starting-quarterback-1 ### 2026-08-20: Keelon Russell named Alabama starting quarterback Alabama has named sophomore Keelon Russell the starting quarterback for the 2026 season, selecting the former five-star recruit over senior Austin Mack to lead the Crimson Tide offense. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-names-keelon-russell-as-starting-quarterback ### 2026-08-20: Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer manages quarterback battle and preseason expectations Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is managing a competitive preseason quarterback battle between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell while facing high expectations for the team's upcoming season. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-coach-kalen-deboer-manages-quarterback-battle-and-preseason-expectations ### 2026-08-16: Alabama football manages quarterback competition and running back injuries Alabama football faces an ongoing quarterback competition and running back injuries as the Crimson Tide prepare for their season opener against East Carolina. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-football-manages-quarterback-competition-and-running-back-injuries ### 2026-08-13: Alabama Crimson Tide face injuries and QB battle in fall camp Alabama football faces injury setbacks with running back AK Dear sidelined for an extended period, while the starting quarterback competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell remains undecided. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-football-holds-first-scrimmage-amid-quarterback-competition ### 2026-08-10: Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback battle remains even Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb reports an even quarterback battle between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell as the Crimson Tide prepare for their first fall camp scrimmage. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-offensive-coordinator-ryan-grubb-outlines-quarterback-selection-criteria ### 2026-08-06: Alabama Crimson Tide weighs quarterback options in preseason camp Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer evaluates quarterbacks Keelon Russell and Austin Mack in fall camp, with OC Ryan Grubb saying the Aug. 13 scrimmage may determine the starter. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-crimson-tide-weighs-quarterback-options-in-preseason-camp ### 2026-07-16: Alabama quarterback race tips toward Keelon Russell as competition heats up Mark Ingram sees Keelon Russell ahead in Alabama’s quarterback battle with Austin Mack; strengths and weaknesses of both are outlined as they vie for the starter role. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-quarterback-race-tips-toward-keelon-russell-as-competition-heats-up --- Cite as: Alabama names Keelon Russell as starting quarterback. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/alabama-quarterback-competition