SEC insider Chris Low shares expected outcome of Alabama QB competition
By Andrew Olson
Published:
With Week 1 just around the corner, Alabama has yet to name its starting quarterback. A notable SEC insider expects that to change soon.
Chris Low of On3 turned some heads Thursday morning with a post on X (formerly Twitter). Low wrote that he expects Kalen DeBoer to name Keelon Russell the Alabama starting quarterback early next week.
Would expect Kalen DeBoer to name Keelon Russell the starter by early next week. He’s been excellent this preseason and gives Alabama more playmaking ability at the QB position. Throws a really nice ball. https://t.co/OToDxOvRgK
— Chris Low (@Clowfb) August 20, 2026
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Russell is in his second year with the program. He has been competing with Austin Mack, a Washington transfer who followed DeBoer to Alabama and is entering Year 4 of his college career.
As a prospect, Russell was rated 5-stars and the No. 2 player nationally in the Class of 2025 on the 247Sports Composite. He chose Alabama over 22 other scholarship offers, including Ole Miss and SMU. Russell appeared in just 2 games last season, completing 11-of-15 passes for 143 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Alabama opens the 2026 season against East Carolina on Sept. 5. The Crimson Tide begin SEC play in Week 2 on the road at Kentucky.
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.
