This was Kalen DeBoer’s first spring as Alabama Crimson Tide head coach. The interim coach after GOAT Saban had brought plenty of intrigue, but no storyline has been more fascinating than the QB battle brewing in Tuscaloosa. With Jalen Milroe off to the NFL, the Crimson Tide’s next signal-caller is set to emerge from a three-man race featuring redshirt junior Ty Simpson, true freshman Keelon Russell, and former Washington transfer Austin Mack. On the surface, this appeared to be a two-man showdown, with Simpson’s experience and Russell’s five-star pedigree dominating the conversation over spring break. But as a certain College GameDay legend would say—“Not so fast, my friend!”

By the way, it was Lee Corso who said that. Over Bamas’ fourth spring practice, videos surfaced of both Simpson and Russell working out, sparking speculation that Kalen DeBoer’s decision was narrowing toward one of them. That buzz suggested that the big 6’6” Austin Mack—who transferred from the Huskies to reunite with DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb—was fading into the background. But that changed quickly. On3’s Pete Nakos reported that “sources told On3 Austin Mack put together one of his best practices on Tuesday.” That revelation flipped the script on the quarterback race and reinserted Mack as a “serious contender” for the starting job.

Nakos added more weight to Mack’s case, noting, “The former Washington transfer was with Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb for one year in Seattle and knows the system well.” That familiarity with DeBoer’s offensive scheme is a major advantage in a battle where every rep counts. But as good as Mack looked, Nakos made it clear that “the quarterback job is still up for grabs and Ty Simpson is very much in the mix, a source said.” Still, Mack’s rise isn’t just smoke—it’s a legitimate factor in how Alabama’s offense will take shape heading into the fall.

With DeBoer wanting the thrower competition to play out through August, Austin Mack’s timing couldn’t be better. “Mack is a serious contender for the starting job, though. The Crimson Tide would like to keep the quarterback competition open through August if possible, a source said. True freshman and former five-star Keelon Russell continues to be a factor in the quarterback battle, too.” That means this won’t just be a spring affair—it’s a fight that will extend deep into fall camp, where the sophomore’s command of the offense could give him an edge over his competitors.

The Folsom native’s track record suggests he’s ready for the moment. A product of Folsom High School in California, Mack showed his potential in 2022 as a first-year starter, completing 269 of 382 passes (70.4 percent) for 3,498 yards with 40 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He also added two rushing scores, leading Folsom to a 12-2 record.

Though his playing time at Washington was minimal, he remained a sought-after talent in the transfer portal, ranking as the No. 18 quarterback and No. 98 overall player available. His lone Alabama appearance last season—a brief cameo against Mercer in which he completed two of three passes for 39 yards and a touchdown—wasn’t much, but it at least put him on the board.

With Alabama’s season opener against Florida State on August 30, every practice rep will be under a microscope.

Austin Mack’s Inside Edge

#10 isn’t just another quarterback in the mix—he’s got something extra in his arsenal: deep familiarity with Kalen DeBoer’s offensive system. Having been part of Washington’s 2023 national championship run alongside DeBoer, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan, Mack knows the playbook inside and out. And that experience might just give him a leg up in the competition.

“He’s got a big upside, obviously,” Grubb said when asked about Mack. “I thought he really had done a great job working on his technique, throwing motion, things like that. I can tell he’s been working hard over the last year. But he’s a very bright kid. I know that he can process the offense.” Mack arrived at Washington as a 17-year-old freshman, thrown into a quarterback room that included Michael Penix Jr.

The idea? Let Mack soak it all in before eventually stepping into a bigger role. “The thought there was when we got Austin to Washington was that he would have six months with Michael Penix and kind of see how it’s supposed to be done,” Grubb added. “And I certainly think he’s gravitated to that and it looks like he’s matured a lot.”

Now, reunited with his old coaches, could Mack’s prior experience help him stand out?