There’s already a lively debate unfolding among Alabama football fans this offseason, and it centers around the quarterback room. More specifically, it’s about who should emerge as the backup to presumed starter Jalen Milroe: redshirt freshman Austin Mack or true freshman Keelon Russell.
To some fans, even considering anyone over Russell for the QB2 role is controversial. Russell, after all, arrived in Tuscaloosa with sky-high expectations and has done little to disappoint since stepping on the practice field. The buzz around him has been electric — reports suggest he’s already showcasing elite arm talent, quick decision-making, and an impressive command of the offense well beyond his age. It’s no surprise many see him as the future face of Alabama football. Some have even gone so far as to say it’s only a matter of time before he takes over as QB1 — perhaps even sooner than expected.
Given all of that, it might seem counterintuitive to suggest that Austin Mack winning the backup quarterback job this year would actually be a good thing for the Crimson Tide. But there’s a strong argument to be made that it would, in fact, be a very positive development for the program — and here’s why.
First, let’s not forget that Austin Mack was no slouch coming out of high school. A highly touted recruit himself, Mack enrolled early at Alabama and has had time to acclimate to the program, build chemistry with teammates, and digest the complexities of the Tide’s playbook. His physical tools — strong arm, athleticism, and prototypical size — have never been in question. What was missing last season was simply the opportunity to prove himself in live action. If he’s taken meaningful strides in his development, enough to hold off a rising star like Russell, that’s a strong signal that Alabama has serious depth at the quarterback position.
Secondly, having a redshirt freshman step up into a leadership role as QB2 provides some balance to the quarterback room. It gives Russell more time to develop without the pressure of being one snap away from leading the offense in an SEC game. Letting Russell grow into the system at his own pace — rather than rushing his timeline — could pay huge dividends in the long run. Alabama has seen firsthand how early hype can sometimes disrupt a young quarterback’s development. Allowing Russell to sit, learn, and compete without the weight of immediate expectations could be key to unlocking his full potential when the time is right.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a strong showing from Mack this season gives Alabama stability. In the high-stakes world of SEC football, backup quarterbacks matter. Whether it’s due to injury or inconsistent play, it’s rare for a team to get through the season without needing the next man up to deliver in a big moment. If Mack has truly earned that next-man-up status over a player as talented as Russell, that’s a great sign of his readiness — and a major asset for the Tide heading into the heart of the schedule.
So while it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement around Keelon Russell — and make no mistake, his time will come — fans shouldn’t be disappointed if Austin Mack emerges as the QB2 this fall. In fact, it might just mean that Alabama is even more loaded at quarterback than we thought. And in today’s college football landscape, where elite QB play often separates contenders from pretenders, that’s exactly the kind of “problem” any program should welcome.