Sports News Report
League: NCAAFSport: College SportsCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

Alabama names Keelon Russell starting quarterback over Austin Mack

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 3:37 PM

Last updated Aug 22, 2026

Alabama names Keelon Russell starting quarterback over Austin Mack
Summary

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer announced that Keelon Russell will be the starting quarterback for the upcoming season. This decision follows a competitive camp that included both fall scrimmages and a significant decision-making period since spring practice. Russell, a freshman from Texas, replaces senior Austin Mack after taking the first snaps in the final scrimmage on August 20. The Crimson Tide faces a challenging schedule ahead, beginning with a game against East Carolina on September 5. Russell's performance will be crucial as Alabama seeks to improve from last season's run-game struggles.

Source Links
Yahoo Sports
By the Numbers
  • •Kalen DeBoer names Keelon Russell starting QB for Alabama.
  • •Russell took first snaps at final scrimmage on August 20.
  • •Austin Mack was the preferred option due to seniority.
  • •Alabama opens its season against East Carolina on September 5.
  • •The team is ranked No. 13 in the AP Top 25 preseason poll.
Latest Updates
  • 3:37 PMYahoo Sports — Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer picks QB Keelon Russell over Austin Mack to start
What they're saying
"

The call ends a race that ran through both fall scrimmages and puts a first-time starter in front of Georgia, Tennessee and LSU.

Related Teams & Leagues
NCAAFCollege Sports

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days