Don’t Count Out Austin Mack in Bama QB Battle

Tuscaloosa, Ala. - The Crimson Tide is in the midst of its first quarterback battle under head coach Kalen DeBoer, with Jalen Milroe departing for the NFL draft. Milroe performed well at Alabama's Pro Day on Wednesday.

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While Milroe prepares for the NFL, the Crimson Tide's spring practice rages on with a three-man race between Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell.

Over Alabama's spring break videos were posted of Ty Simpson and Keelon Russell working out during the break, generating buzz that it may be down to a two-man race between the five-star redshirt junior and the five-star true freshman.

But as Lee Corso says, 'Not so fast my friend!'

On3 Sports' Pete Nakos reported on Wednesday that Austin Mack, a redshirt sophomore who transferred to Alabama from Washington in January 2024, is in the thick of things and is a serious contender for the starting job in Tuscaloosa.

Mack, who was with Kalen DeBoer, Nick Sheridan, and Ryan Grubb in Washington for the Huskies' 2023 national championship appearance, knows the DeBoer offensive system very well. Could that be giving him a leg up in the competition?

Mack reportedly put together his best practice so far on Tuesday, turning heads at the Crimson Tide's fourth spring practice. Despite this, it is still an open race, with Ty Simpson very much in the mix for QB1. Keelon Russell is continuing to progress and be a factor in the battle too.

Nakos also reported Alabama would like to keep the competition going well into August if possible, so don't expect an announcement of a starter anytime soon.

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_.