[REVISION HISTORY]

Alabama names Keelon Russell as starting quarterback

Updated 15 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-05 17:49 UTC → 2026-09-05 22:18 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 ~~enters~~ made his first career start on September 5 against East Carolina, leading the ~~role following~~ Crimson Tide to a ~~limited appearance last season, during which he completed 73.3% of his passes for 143~~ 48-10 victory. During the game, Russell recorded between 249 and 256 passing yards and ~~two touchdowns. DeBoer has specifically noted Russell’s ‘vocal leadership on~~ led the ~~field.’ The decision followed~~ team in rushing with 86 yards and a ~~90-play scrimmage on August 20, where Russell’s ability to create big plays reportedly distinguished him from Mack, who remains~~ touchdown. While demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities, he also showed signs of inexperience, specifically a ~~supportive veteran~~ ‘lackluster third quarter’ and ~~backup.~~ issues with ‘operational speed in the huddle.’ Coach DeBoer indicated the staff will focus on teaching Russell ~~is expected~~ how to ~~make~~ slide and protect his ~~first career start on September 5 against East Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium. He replaces Ty Simpson, who was recently selected in~~ body. Receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams contributed significantly to the ~~2026 NFL Draft by~~ win with 130 receiving yards on five receptions. Following the ~~Los Angeles Rams.~~ 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 opener,~~ season, the Crimson Tide ~~released a~~ depth chart ~~naming~~ named Ryan Coleman-Williams, Lotzeir Brooks, and Rico Scott as starters in the wide receiver ~~group. However, wide receiver~~ group, though Noah Rogers and ~~running back~~ AK Dear ~~are notably absent from the chart due to injuries.~~ were noted as injured.

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