Alabama will start Austin Mack at quarterback against Vanderbilt on Saturday as Keelon Russell recovers from an ankle injury sustained in the loss to LSU. Russell is listed as probable on Alabama's SEC availability report and will be considered available, but Mack is expected to make his first start of the 2026 season.
Mack, a fourth-year senior, has seen limited action this year, completing three of four passes for 23 yards and scoring one rushing touchdown, a three-yard run in Alabama’s 56-23 victory over Mississippi State. He lost the starting quarterback battle to Russell ahead of the season opener against East Carolina, who took over from Ty Simpson, Alabama’s starter in 2025 and during the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the 2026 Rose Bowl against Indiana.
Brad Mack, Austin’s father, told The Tuscaloosa News that his son wanted more than just to be a temporary solution. “He didn’t want to be just a number on a roster or a band-aid for a program like, ‘Hey, we need a quarterback, let’s go,’” he said. “He wanted to be some place where he could grow and develop and his coaches truly believe in him. And that’s why you didn’t see him in the portal. ‘I’m here. I’m right where my feet are. I’m right here.’”
Austin Mack originally signed with Kalen DeBoer at Washington, reclassifying to join the Huskies for their 2023 run to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Michigan. When DeBoer left Washington for Alabama, Mack entered the NCAA transfer portal and signed with the Crimson Tide shortly after.
Lisa Mack, Austin’s mother, told The Tuscaloosa News she knew the Alabama coaching staff would support her son. “I know all teams have the family vibe and so forth,” she said. “But when I can truly say, ‘Hey Kalen, hey Ryan (Grubb), Austin needs you,’ I know for a fact that they would have him.”
Keelon Russell spoke warmly of his quarterback room after the LSU game. “I feel like we have the best brotherhood there is all over the country,” he said. “We spend time with each other, we love each other. It’s just these guys pour into me so much, so I just love those guys.”
Alabama’s decision to turn to Mack for this weekend’s matchup reflects the depth of their quarterback roster as Russell continues to recover. The game against Vanderbilt will provide Mack a chance to lead the offense for the first time this season and show how he fits into Alabama’s plans as the team seeks to maintain momentum in SEC play.
According to Yahoo Sports.
