Alabama will open the 2026 season against East Carolina next weekend in Tuscaloosa.
Both the Crimson Tide and Pirates conducted quarterback competitions during fall camp. Earlier this week, Alabama named Keelon Russell its starting quarterback. Now, ECU has a starting QB as well.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, former Wake Forest and Texas Tech quarterback Mitch Griffis has won the job over ex-Miami backup Emory Williams.
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Last season at Texas Tech, Griffis completed 26-of-36 passes for 357 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. He played mostly in a reserve role, but he did play significant snaps in blowout wins over Oklahoma State and UCF.
Griffis was Wake Forest’s starting quarterback in 2023 but largely struggled through that campaign. He completed under 60% of his passes for the Demon Deacons and had a 9-to-7 TD-to-INT ratio.
Alabama is a significant favorite against East Carolina in the season-opener. The Crimson Tide are expected to compete for the SEC title and for a College Football Playoff berth again in 2026.
Alabama is 1-0 all-time against ECU, with their only prior meeting coming in 1998.
Kickoff is at 12 p.m. ET on Sept. 5.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
