Jordan Rodgers makes prediction in Alabama QB competition
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Alabama will have a new QB1 in 2026, and Kalen DeBoer has yet to make the call as to whether Keelon Russell or Austin Mack will lead the Crimson Tide offense. ESPN’s Jordan Rodgers is in the Russell camp.
Rodgers spoke to AL.com during this past week’s SEC Media Days. When discussing the QB competition, Rodgers said it comes down to Russell being a “game-changer,” while Mack is more of a “game manager.”
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The quarterback’s supporting cast on offense calls for a game-changer, in Rodgers’ opinion. The ESPN analyst noted uncertainties at wide receiver, running back and offensive line, citing departures from last season’s team that made the College Football Playoff.
“So what’s around the quarterback? I think they’re going to need a guy like Keelon that can make plays with his legs, that can change how defenses have to defend you,” Rodgers told AL.com “I don’t think they can survive with a game manager, and I don’t mean that in a disrespect for Austin Mack, but he’s more of a game manager. I think they need a guy that can be a game-changer.
“That’s why, whether it’s Week 1 or Week 4 or Week 5, I think eventually it’ll be Keelon.”
Alabama has two good options for QB this year, but @JRodgers11 thinks the Crimson Tide need “a gamechanger.” pic.twitter.com/cgted1ly45
— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) July 23, 2026
While Rodgers suggests that the QB competition could go into the season, DeBoer has a big decision to make for Week 1. Alabama opens the season against East Carolina, a team that finished 2025 9-4 with a bowl victory. UA’s SEC opener at Kentucky follows in Week 2, with Florida State visiting Tuscaloosa in Week 3.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
