Alabama's Ryan Coleman-Williams, Kalen DeBoer Sound Off on Mack vs. Russell QB1 Competition

One of the biggest quarterback competitions this summer is taking place in Tuscaloosa between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack, but it could be a while before Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer makes a decision.

DeBoer told reporters Wednesday that the two quarterbacks are in a battle "that's going to lead to a tough decision."

"Our quarterbacks do have the belief and trust amongst our entire team," DeBoer said. "There are different ways where I've seen that, whether it was in the spring or through the summer. There are different conversations, different activities that we do where I really can get a good feel of it being genuine, that our team trusts that whoever steps on the football field and takes those snaps is going to be a guy -- and I think that's because they believe in both guys."

Whoever ends up under center for the Crimson Tide, it sounds like they're in good hands. Star receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams praised both players for how they've approached the offseason.

"With Keelon, just his playmaking ability to not only use what he's learned in the film room or from other guys, but he still is true to himself when it comes to sometimes letting his natural abilities showcase," Coleman-Williams said. "It's super fun to see both of those guys and it's super exciting to see them reflect off each other just because it forces them day in and day out to be their best because they have no other choice."

Russell, the No. 2 overall player in the class of 2025, appeared in two games for Alabama last year, throwing for 143 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Mack, who transferred to Alabama ahead of the 2024 campaign, threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns in four games last year.