Alabama’s QB room has been hotter than a two-dollar pistol all spring, and nobody outside the locker room really knew who had the wheel. All eyes were on Ty Simpson, the vet who’s seen it all; Austin Mack, the west coast transplant with DeBoer DNA; and the true freshman, Keelon Russell, who pulled up from Texas with more juice than a Super Bowl halftime show. But while fans argued and insiders speculated, Ty Simpson’s still got the unofficial lead right now. But folks inside that building know what’s really cooking. Russell didn’t show up to hold a clipboard. And judging by how Bama’s recruiting board’s been moving, Kalen DeBoer’s literally going one class beyond for Keelon Russell.

Keelon Russell low-key had SMU fans planning parades before he flipped the whole script on June 4, 2024, and committed to the Crimson Tide. And don’t think this was some last-minute panic signing. Nah—DeBoer had this one dialed up like a backdoor screen in the fourth quarter. Russell ain’t just some hype-machine five-star. He’s the realest deal. As a senior, Russell was slinging the rock for over 4,100 yards, dropping 55 touchdowns with only four picks. Just four. That’s some Retro Bowl numbers, and the scouts saw it too. National Gatorade Player of the Year. MaxPreps All-American. And now, Tuscaloosa’s new golden boy. So what’s the game plan?

DeBoer’s playing the long game. According to On3’s latest tea, Alabama’s going all-in on Russell. Forget bringing in another alpha QB in 2025. Forget stacking five stars like it’s 2017 again. This ain’t a beauty pageant—it’s a handoff. And the keys to this ride are getting passed to Russell. Quietly, carefully, and with a whole lotta intention.

Just peek at how they handled the Derek Zammit situation. Bama got the final visit before A-Day, but word is, DeBoer wasn’t pushing too hard. Why? Because they didn’t want anybody showing up and messing with Russell’s vibe. DeBoer’s not recruiting threats—he’s building around his QB1. And Zammit? He saw that. Slid over to Jedd Fisch and the Huskies. No beef. Just business. Same deal with Keisean Henderson. The No. 3 QB in the class? Bama hit up his camp, sure. But that convo never got too real. Henderson’s already pledged to Houston, and word is, they’re locking him down like Fort Knox. Bama ain’t begging. They’re just keeping tabs, looking for a non-intimidated backup type who’s cool learning behind the young gun. That’s how much faith they’ve got in Keelon.

And yo—dude’s already enrolling early. Already taking snaps. Already impressing the heck outta Ryan Grubb, who said Russell “exceeded expectations” this spring. Like, how many 18-year-olds step onto SEC turf, surrounded by grown men, and make it look light? Not many. But Russell? Built differently.

Alabama ain’t lookin’ at many 2026 QBs either. They want a 2027 stud to follow, not compete with Russell. That’s how locked in they are. Of course, that move leaves folks wondering: What about the other guy who followed DeBoer from the Pacific Northwest?

Kalen DeBoer keeps it real about Austin Mack

But let’s not act like Austin Mack’s some ghost out here. He was supposed to be the plug-n-play guy. Followed DeBoer and Grubb from Seattle, had that West Coast offense in his veins. Folks thought he was gonna slide right in. But spring’s wild, man. And sometimes, the rookie takes the wheel. So naturally, the transfer portal whisper started getting loud. Was Mack gonna dip? Did he even have a shot anymore? DeBoer wasn’t tryna let the speculation swirl. He went on The Next Round Live and laid it out straight.

“I’m not gonna speak for Austin, but I do have a really good relationship with him,” DeBoer said on The Next Round Live. “Have been with him now, this will be year three. And he knows he’s got some elite football ahead of him.”

Translation? This ain’t over, probably. Mack’s still in the mix. And if you listen close, DeBoer kinda likes the fact that the QB room’s got different vibes. One homegrown (Ty), one hand-picked (Keelon), and one who rode with him from Day 1 (Austin). Then came the kicker—DeBoer said Mack’s getting “the most reps he’s ever had.” That ain’t small talk. Reps in spring mean trust. It means Grubb’s cooking up packages, getting his tempo synced, and installing rhythm. Even if Mack ain’t QB1 this minute, he’s getting seasoning. And you know how Bama does—they don’t waste development reps.

“He sees the growth. He sees the development.” DeBoer said. “He’s near the top of that list, as far as just the work he puts in.” Now, if that doesn’t sound like a coach who’s keeping the door open, we don’t know what does. DeBoer’s not tossing Mack out the back like leftovers. He’s slow-cooking the whole QB room. Letting each guy marinate, so when the moment comes—boom—they’re ready. Even said it himself: “There’s a trust that has to exist between coach and player… that’s growing.” Truth is, the competition for QB spot is pretty tight at Tuscaloosa, Austin Mack’s probably a 3rd in the QB room. Might even hit the spring portal.

But make no mistake—this is Russell’s era, if Ty Simpson falls. The staff’s not bringing in anybody who’ll breathe too hard on his spotlight. Bottom line: Mack’s still in the lab. Simpson’s still low-key, having a lead. But make no mistake—the next chapter in Crimson Tide quarterback lore has one name on the cover. And it’s Keelon freaking Russell.