Nick Saban had his fair share of quarterback battles during his 17 years at Alabama, and as the 2026 season approaches, the Crimson Tide must make a decision on their starter soon.

Kalen DeBoer is entering his third year as Alabama's head coach and he faces the dilemma of picking a winner from a battle that started immediately after last season ended. For the last seven months, the college football world has debated between Crimson Tide quarterbacks Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, as they each bring different qualities to the table.

Mack, a senior, is much more experienced and has been in DeBoer's system since 2023 at Washington. Meanwhile, Russell, a sophomore, is more athletic with a dual-threat play style and his status as DeBoer's highest-rated recruit since being hired makes him the fan favorite. So, as the decision looms, Saban was asked about the competition on the Pat McAfee Show on Friday.

"I don't really know who the starters are going to be," Saban said. "I think both guys are probably pretty capable. They're really different. Keelon Russell's a little bit more athletic, can run it, he is a good passer though. I don't know where his decision making and development is relative to the staff. The other guy, Mack, has a little more experience. So, I don't know exactly where they're at with that."

While finding the starting quarterback is extremely important, finding the best front five to block for him is also crucial to the success of the Crimson Tide. The offensive line was big disappointment in 2025, as the run game was among the worst in the FBS and it led to offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic being fired.

USC defensive analyst Adrian Klemm took Kapilovic's place and he had a ton of work to do when he arrived because Michael Carroll was the only returning starter. Klemm, DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb quickly named sophomore Jackson Lloyd the starting left tackle in the spring and Cal Poly transfer Racin Delgatty is the center.

But Alabama's five protectors of either Mack or Russell still aren't established. There's a battle at left guard between junior Will Sanders and sophomore Mal Waldrep Jr. Additionally, the right tackle spot is up for grabs between transfers Jayvin James (Mississippi State) and Nick Brooks (Texas).

"I think it's going to be imperative though that the offensive line played better, so that the quarterback — whoever it is — has the opportunity to play better," Saban said. "I thought Ty Simpson was under a hell of a lot of pressure in the second half of the season all the time. And their ability to run the ball in favorable down and distance is going to have something to do with that as well.

"But I do not know who the starting quarterback is going to be. I had watched some of the tape and I've been very impressed with both guys. They're different. Keelon is more of a playmaker because of his legs, but that's up to coach [DeBoer]."

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