Nick Saban assesses Alabama's looming quarterback decision
Nick Saban says he does not know whether Austin Mack or Keelon Russell will win Alabama football's quarterback battle, leaving the final call to head coach Kalen DeBoer. On The Pat McAfee Show, Saban praised both passers but stressed that improved offensive line play is imperative for whoever starts in 2026.
The former Crimson Tide coach spoke Friday as Kalen DeBoer enters his third season and the Tide prepare to open against East Carolina on Sept. 5. With Alabama's second fall scrimmage complete, the quarterback decision is nearing — but Saban, who remains tied to the program, offered no inside pick.
Key Takeaways
- Saban told Pat McAfee he does not know who will start and deferred entirely to DeBoer.
- He called Russell a more athletic playmaker and Mack the more experienced option in the system.
- Saban said better offensive line play is imperative after Ty Simpson faced heavy pressure late in 2025.
- Keelon Russell took first-team reps first in Thursday's scrimmage; observers largely gave him the edge.
- DeBoer said Alabama could start either quarterback and expects to pick one in the days ahead.
Does Nick Saban know who will start at quarterback?
No. Saban said plainly on The Pat McAfee Show: "I don't really know who the starter's gonna be." He added that he has watched tape and been "very impressed with both guys," but the choice belongs to DeBoer.
Saban has navigated high-profile quarterback competitions before — from Jalen Hurts versus Tua Tagovailoa to the three-way race involving Jalen Milroe. This time, though, he said he has no inside scoop on DeBoer's lean.
How do Austin Mack and Keelon Russell compare?
Saban described the two as capable but different. Keelon Russell, a former five-star sophomore, is "a little bit more athletic, can run it" and is "more of a playmaker because of his legs," Saban said, while also noting Russell is a good passer.
Austin Mack brings more experience. He followed DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb from Washington and is entering his fourth season in the system. Saban said he is unsure where Russell's decision-making and development stand "relative to the staff," while Mack holds the experience edge.
Why does Saban say the offensive line is 'imperative'?
When asked about quarterbacks, Saban pivoted to the trenches. "It's going to be imperative, though, that the offensive line play better so that the quarterback, whoever it is, has an opportunity to play better," he said, per AL.com.
Alabama's 2025 run game struggled badly, and Ty Simpson faced constant pressure in the season's second half. Six of seven offensive line starters from 2025 are gone. Jackson Lloyd, Michael Carroll and Racin Delgatty have largely locked down three spots, with competitions continuing at the remaining positions.
What happened at Alabama's second fall scrimmage?
Alabama held its second scrimmage of fall camp Thursday at Bryant-Denny Stadium, one of the final major evaluations before the season opener. Russell took the first reps with the first-team offense — a shift from the opening scrimmage, when Mack went first, according to Touchdown Alabama.
DeBoer said both quarterbacks improved pre-snap communication and that the staff is comfortable starting either one. Grubb said a decision would likely come by the following week. Scrimmage observers told AL.com that Mack played well, but Russell had more standout throws, including accurate passes into tight windows.
When will Kalen DeBoer name a starter?
DeBoer has not announced a winner. After Thursday's scrimmage, he said the staff would "work through it here this weekend" and continue discussing the competition. He reiterated: "We can go in with either one of them" but added, "We've got to pick one, and we will."
East Carolina head coach Blake Harrell said his staff is preparing to face both quarterbacks, underscoring how close the race remains. For broader trending coverage, see our Fintech & Crypto Alerts hub at BlasterPost.