When Will Alabama Pick Its Quarterback?
Alabama must name a starting quarterback before the season opener. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb says the decision will happen sometime next week. The team plays East Carolina on September 5, which is 19 days away. Grubb told reporters they are close to making the final call. Two players are in the mix: sophomore Keelon Russell and senior Austin Mack. Both have earned first-team reps during fall camp.
The clock is ticking for the Crimson Tide. They need a clear leader before game week begins. Grubb offered a specific timeline during media availability on Monday, August 17. He noted that the team cannot wait much longer to decide who will start. This is a standard move for any coach facing a tight deadline. The fans want to know who will throw the first pass of the season.
What Grubb Says About the Competition
Grubb did not tip his hand on which player is leading the race. He praised both signal-callers for their recent work in practice. “Really, really impressed, especially today, with some of the move the ball situations where both guys were able to hone in on some of the things they were able to do better,” Grubb said. He added that neither player froze when things went wrong. Even though things didn’t go perfectly, we avoided getting stuck and maintained our momentum. So we’re getting there, he noted.
Russell was a five-star recruit who started behind Mack last season. Mack spent three years waiting his turn under head coach Kalen DeBoer. He first played at Washington before following DeBoer to Alabama through the transfer portal. Both men have shown they can handle the pressure of the offense. The offense itself is loaded with talent to support the winner. Receivers Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lotzeir Brooks are back. Running back Daniel Hill returns too. New freshmen EJ Crowell and Cederian Morgan are also on the roster.
Alabama is not the only school with a tough choice. Rival Tennessee and conference foes Florida and Vanderbilt face similar battles. But Alabama has the most eyes on its decision. The team needs a leader who can manage a complex offense. Grubb’s comments suggest both players are ready for the role. The final choice might come down to who makes fewer mistakes in the next few days.
Why Timing Matters for the Season
Teams need a set starter to build game plans. Coaches cannot design plays for two different quarterbacks at the same time. Grubb said they are close to the final call because game week is near. He told reporters after Alabama’s 10th fall practice that a decision is coming soon. “We’re close,” Ryan Grubb told reporters after Alabama’s 10th fall practice. “I mean, we’re getting close to game week, so I would say by next week, we’ll have to make that call.”
Waiting too long hurts the team’s preparation. The offense needs time to gel with the chosen starter. Mack has the experience of playing in the system for three years. Russell has the raw talent that made him a top recruit. The coaching staff has seen enough to make a choice. They have run the 10th practice and reviewed the film. The next week will likely seal the deal. Fans should expect an announcement before the final week of camp.
This situation shows the depth of the program. Having two capable quarterbacks is a good problem to have.
