Ty Simpson is gone. Honestly, it feels like we just started getting used to him being "the guy" after he waited behind Jalen Milroe forever. But after a 2025 season where he threw for over 3,500 yards and then unfortunately got his ribs crunched in that lopsided Rose Bowl loss to Indiana, he’s headed to the NFL.
Now, everyone is staring at the depth chart. It’s a mess of potential and massive question marks.
The University of Alabama QB situation for 2026 isn't just about finding a starter. It’s about whether Kalen DeBoer can maintain the offensive identity he spent two years building with Simpson. If you look at the names left in the room—Austin Mack, Keelon Russell, and incoming freshman Jett Thomalla—you realize we’re looking at three completely different types of football players.
The Austin Mack Factor: DeBoer’s Safety Net?
Austin Mack is basically the incumbency pick, even if he hasn't started a meaningful game. He followed DeBoer from Washington. He knows the playbook like the back of his hand.
During the Rose Bowl, when Simpson went down, Mack stepped into a nightmare. He didn't win the game—nobody was winning that game with the way Indiana’s defense was flying around—but he wasn't a total disaster. He went 11-for-16. It was safe. It was "fine." But is "fine" enough for a program that just saw its starter declare for the NFL as a potential first-round pick?
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Mack is huge. 6-foot-6. 235 pounds. He looks like a quarterback built in a lab for a pro-style system. However, his mobility is a legitimate concern in an SEC that is getting faster every single year. If the offensive line isn't elite, Mack could be a sitting duck.
Why Keelon Russell is the Wildcard
Then there's Keelon Russell. People in Tuscaloosa are obsessed with him, and for good reason. He was a five-star recruit out of Duncanville. He’s got that "it" factor that Mack sometimes lacks.
Russell only played in two games last year. He looked electric in limited snaps against Eastern Illinois and ULM, throwing two touchdowns and showing a level of twitchiness that reminds people of the dual-threat guys Alabama has leaned on in the past.
- Accuracy: 73% completion rate in high school.
- Speed: Legitimate track background (200m and 400m).
- Mental Makeup: He’s already gone on record saying he’s "100% here" despite the portal rumors.
Honestly, the biggest hurdle for Russell is the system. DeBoer’s offense requires a lot of "big brain" processing at the line of scrimmage. Simpson thrived because he was a vet. Russell is still effectively a redshirt freshman in terms of experience.
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What the 2026 University of Alabama QB Needs to Fix
Whoever wins this job in the spring is inheriting an offense that just lost some serious firepower. Ryan Williams is back, thank god, but the receiver room is basically a "Who's Who" of transfers and young guys.
The University of Alabama QB is going to have to do more than just manage the game. Last year, the Tide went 11-4. For some schools, that's a dream. At Alabama? That's a "down" year that gets people fired or at least makes the message boards go absolutely nuclear.
The run game was notably stagnant in 2025. This puts an immense amount of pressure on the quarterback to be the primary playmaker. If it’s Mack, he has to be a surgical distributor. If it’s Russell, he has to be a magician with his legs.
The Jett Thomalla Shadow
Don’t sleep on Jett Thomalla. The kid is coming in from Nebraska with a massive arm. Usually, true freshmen don't start at Bama unless your name is Tua or Jalen, but the portal has changed everything. If Mack and Russell struggle in spring ball, the noise for the new kid will get loud, fast.
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Kalen DeBoer has a track record. He made Michael Penix Jr. a star. He got Ty Simpson to a point where he's a projected first-round NFL pick. But this 2026 season feels different. It’s the first time DeBoer doesn't have a "proven" commodity or a clear-cut veteran to lean on.
How to Watch the Battle This Spring
If you're trying to figure out who has the edge, watch the A-Day game closely. Don't just look at the stats; look at the operation.
- Check how fast they are getting the play in.
- Watch the footwork in the pocket when the "backup" pass rushers get close.
- See who Ryan Williams is vibing with during warmups.
The University of Alabama QB competition is going to be the most scrutinized position battle in the country. It’s not just about talent; it’s about who can handle the weight of that helmet.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the official "Yea Alabama" updates and the spring practice reports. The first scrimmage in late March usually tells the real story before the coaching staff starts their "everything is equal" media rounds. Watch for Austin Mack's command of the huddle versus Russell's ability to create when the play breaks down. That contrast will define the entire 2026 season.