Alabama Crimson Tide names starter for week one: Get to know Bama quarterback Keelon Russell

Keelon Russell won Alabama's quarterback competition over Austin Mack, giving Kalen DeBoer a high-upside redshirt freshman from Duncanville.

The Alabama Crimson Tide are ending their quarterback competition two weeks before the start of the season.

Sources: Alabama names Keelon Russell QB1 for opener vs. ECU  ESPN

The two-man race has been settled.

Mack was the backup in 2025, but Russell, a five-star prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle, has been viewed as having the higher upside.

TRENDINGNFL news, live updatesReport: Klay Thompson to HeatSinner to miss US OpenNBA's season of comebacksFantasy Football Draft KitStory byKeelon Russell will start for Alabama in Week 1 against East Carolina. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Nick Brombe

Russell, the second-ranked quarterback in his recruiting class, beat out Austin Mack for the top spot at Alabama

No. 13 Alabama looks to return to the CFP with a new starting QB, Mack or Russell  Toronto Star