Ryan Grubb updates timeline for Alabama to name starting QB
Published:
Ryan Grubb knows a super passionate fandom, the SEC and the college football world is waiting on Alabama to name its starting quarterback for 2026.
But that doesn’t mean the process has to be rushed during an intense fall camp battle between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack. The Crimson Tide offensive coordinator is well aware of where the situation between Russell and Mack stands, with the season opener against East Carolina less than 3 weeks away.
On Monday as he met with reporters, Grubb didn’t name a starter, because Alabama isn’t ready to yet. But he at least provided some clarity that will lead followers in the proper direction as the intensity gets ratcheted up and the days dwindle toward that season opener.
“We’re close. I mean, we’re getting close to game week. I would say by next week we’ll have to make that call,” explained Grubb about the position battle everyone wants to know about on a daily basis.
One thing to keep an eye on later this week is a 2nd fall scrimmage that will take place. That scrimmage will happen on Thursday, and perhaps after the dust settles on that then Grubb, head coach Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide staff will be a lot closer to providing the answer to the question that so many are wondering about during fall camp.
Following last Thursday’s first fall scrimmage, DeBoer was asked by reporters if he was any closer to naming a starting quarterback and DeBoer answered bluntly that he wasn’t any closer. This Thursday will provide another chance for DeBoer, Grubb and the staff to watch Russell and Mack up close, in game-like situations, and it’ll no doubt be a big hurdle for both relatively inexperienced signal-callers to cross as they try to beat each other out for the job.
No matter who wins the starting quarterback job, Alabama will be trying to get back to the College Football Playoff in 2026. To do that, the Crimson Tide will need to rack up the wins, and here is what the Kalshi market is currently saying about the odds for Alabama’s win total this season:
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
