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As Kalen DeBoer took the stage at SEC Media Days on Wednesday, the uncertainty and countdown to Alabama's quarterback decision continued, with just over a month remaining until the Crimson Tide open the season.
Will DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb turn to sophomore Keelon Russell, or will veteran Austin Mack be handed the reins of the offense as Ty Simpson's successor under center?
Nick Saban may have offered his choice on July 22 while appearing on the SEC Network's coverage of SEC Media Days in Tampa.
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"I've watched this guy for two springs. He didn't play much in the fall. This guy is a talented guy who is a playmaker who can make plays, and whether he's ready to play now or not — obviously, the coaches have to determine that — he is going to be an outstanding player in the future," Saban said of Russell.
Russell completed 11 of 15 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns in the two games he appeared in last season against the University of Louisiana Monroe and Eastern Illinois. He was a former unanimous five-star recruit in the 2025 recruiting class, where 247 Sports' Composite Rankings had him as the second-best quarterback and overall recruit in the class.
Mack served as Simpson's primary backup last season. He completed 24 of 32 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns in four appearances, while adding 22 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. He came in the second half of last season's College Football Playoff Rose Bowl quarterfinal against Indiana after Simpson got injured, completing 11 of 16 passes for 103 yards.
Ultimately, and regardless of the decision, Saban said both quarterbacks would be "capable" of the job.
"Both these guys are capable," Saban said of Russell and Mack. "Quarterback is the most difficult position to play based on how the people around you play, so that may have something to do with who they determine is the starter. What's the best fit with the rest of the players on the team?"
Alabama hosts East Carolina in Week 1 at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5 at noon ET.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who would Nick Saban's choice be in Alabama quarterback competition?
