Alabama Approaching QB Decision According to Ryan Grubb

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - After Alabama's first scrimmage of fall camp on Thursday, head coach Kalen DeBoer told reporters that the Crimson Tide is "no closer" to naming a starting quarterback, but offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb sang a different tune two practices later when he spoke to the media on Monday morning.

Get our free mobile app

"The last two practices have been two of our best days. Not maybe; they definitely have been," Grubb said. "So I thought we really have built on some packages there the last couple days, and had a really nice, just got done with a great move-the-ball session. Had a touchdown and a field goal with the ones on two drives, which was awesome.”

Grubb then put a definitive timeline on Alabama's quarterback competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell: "We’re close. I mean, we’re getting close to game week, so I would say by next week we’ll have to make that call.”

Both quarterbacks have progressed this offseason as the Crimson Tide decides between the senior, Mack, and the sophomore, Russell. How does Grubb see the two progressing through 10 practices of fall camp?

"You know, I'd say it like this. I said in the meeting room the other day. I think, I think we hit a lull as it was kind of like the look-around phase, like, ‘What's going on right now?’ And I think they got through that now. They broke through that with the scrimmage.

"And I feel like, you know, always coach quarterbacks to be playing with blinders on, just focus on you, things you need to improve. And I think we lost sight of that a little bit for a few practices. But I'm really, really impressed, you know, especially today, bunch of move-the-ball situations where both guys were able to just hone in on the things they need to do better. Didn't get stuck when it didn't go perfect, and we're able to keep us moving. So we're getting there.”

Alabama will return to the practice field on Tuesday, August 18, for the 11th practice of fall camp. Alabama's second scrimmage of camp will be this Thursday, August 20. The first game of the 2026 season is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, when Alabama hosts East Carolina.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.