Honestly, following the Alabama QB depth chart right now feels a bit like trying to read a map while driving 90 mph down I-20. Things are moving fast. One minute you’re watching Ty Simpson gut out a performance in the College Football Playoff, and the next, he’s popping up on Instagram announcing he’s headed to the 2026 NFL Draft.
It’s a massive shift. For the last year, Simpson was the guy. He survived the shadow of Jalen Milroe—who’s out there doing his thing for the Seattle Seahawks now—and put up over 3,500 yards in 2025. But that era is officially over. With Simpson gone, Kalen DeBoer is facing his first real "open" competition since arriving in Tuscaloosa. No more incumbent veteran. No more safety net.
Basically, we’re looking at a three-way (maybe four-way) street fight for the starting job this spring.
Breaking Down the 2026 Alabama QB Depth Chart
If the season started tomorrow, the locker room would look very different. The "old man" in the room is now Austin Mack, and even he’s technically a redshirt sophomore. Here is the current landscape as of January 2026:
1. Austin Mack (Redshirt Sophomore)
Mack is the name you’ve gotta watch. He’s 6'6", 235 pounds, and frankly, he looks like he was built in a lab to play for DeBoer. He followed the coach from Washington to Alabama, which tells you everything you need to know about the trust level there. He was the primary backup in 2025 and actually had to step in during that brutal Rose Bowl loss to Indiana after Simpson cracked a rib. He went 11-for-16 in that game. Not bad for being thrown into a woodchipper.
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2. Keelon Russell (Sophomore)
A lot of fans are already crowning Russell. He was the "future" the moment he stepped on campus. He’s got that "it" factor—a twitchy athlete with a live arm who can extend plays when the pocket collapses. He didn’t get a ton of run in 2025 because Simpson was so solid, but the ceiling here is arguably the highest on the roster.
3. Jett Thomalla (Freshman)
The new blood. DeBoer went up to Nebraska and snagged Thomalla, a 4-star kid who was rising up the boards late in the 2025 cycle. He’s already on campus as an early enrollee. Does he start Day 1? Probably not. But he’s exactly the kind of "processor" this offense needs.
4. Tayden Kaawa (Freshman)
Alabama did something they rarely do: they signed two scholarship QBs in the same class. Kaawa comes in from Utah with a massive frame and a big arm. He’s likely a developmental piece for the first year, but in the era of the transfer portal, you need as many arms as you can get.
Why the Austin Mack vs. Keelon Russell Battle Matters
This isn't just about who starts; it's about the identity of the offense. If Mack wins, you’re looking at a pure pocket-passing system that mirrors what DeBoer ran with Michael Penix Jr. at Washington. Mack knows the playbook better than anyone. He’s been in this system for three years now if you count his redshirt year in Seattle.
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On the other hand, Russell gives you that dual-threat dynamic that Alabama fans have grown used to with Milroe. He’s not just a runner, though. He’s a passer first, but his ability to scramble makes him a nightmare for SEC defensive coordinators.
The interesting part? Both of them just "re-signed" with the program through the NIL collective, Yea Alabama. In 2026, that’s basically a public declaration that they aren't hitting the portal—at least not until after spring ball.
The "Wildcard" Factors
We can't talk about the Alabama QB depth chart without mentioning the transfer portal. While the current room is talented, it’s young. Very young.
- Experience Gap: Between Mack and Russell, there are exactly zero career college starts. That is a terrifying thought when you realize the 2026 schedule includes trips to some of the loudest stadiums in the country.
- The DeBoer Factor: Kalen DeBoer doesn't miss on QBs. Whether it was Penix or the development of Ty Simpson, he finds a way to make the numbers look video-game-ish.
- The Injury Bug: We saw it in the Rose Bowl. One hit to the ribs and your season is in the hands of a backup. Having two freshmen (Thomalla and Kaawa) behind the main duo is a risky game.
What to Expect Next
The A-Day game in April is going to be a circus. Everyone is going to be dissecting every throw Mack and Russell make. Honestly, don't be surprised if this competition drags all the way into August. DeBoer is famously patient with these decisions.
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The biggest misconception right now is that Russell is a lock because of his recruiting pedigree. Don't sleep on Mack. He’s been waiting for this specific opportunity for three years. He didn't move across the country twice just to hold a clipboard.
Actionable Insight for Fans: If you're looking for the most stable bet, watch Austin Mack’s completion percentage in the spring. If he’s hovering around that 70% mark in scrimmages, he’s the starter. If Russell starts making "magic" plays with his feet, the coaching staff might be forced to ride the hot hand.
Keep an eye on the portal window right after spring practice. If one of these guys feels like they’ve lost the lead, the depth chart could shuffle again before the first kickoff in September.