Greg McElroy shares thoughts on Alabama QB competition following A-Day
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ESPN’s Greg McElroy has a new perspective on Alabama‘s quarterback competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell following A-Day over the weekend.
Mack entered the competition as the more experienced option over Russell, who is entering just his second season of college football. Mack is a former 5-star recruit who began his collegiate career with Kalen DeBoer at Washington.
McElroy, a former Alabama quarterback himself, said he thinks the “gap” is closing between Mack and Russell.
“Here’s what I know coming out of Saturday,” McElroy said. “Right now, whatever gap that might’ve existed between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, just based on experience, I think that’s probably evaporated.
“We’re talking about the Gatorade National Player of the Year in high school. Arguably the highest-rated signee in Alabama’s modern recruiting era … He’s not just a 5-star that’s waiting to get his opportunity. He’s getting his opportunity and, so far, he’s making the most of it.”
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Russell — the No. 2 overall player in the 247Sports Composite rankings for 2025 — may be the favorite at this stage in the competition. He completed 11-of-15 passes for 143 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Whoever wins the starting job will have high expectations in Tuscaloosa next season. Alabama is among the favorites to win the SEC next season on Kalshi:
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
