August 25, 2026
Alabama names Keelon Russell starting QB; analysts draw Jayden Daniels comparisons
Head coach Kalen DeBoer announced Saturday that the five-star freshman beat out Austin Mack for the starting job, drawing immediate comparisons to the 2023 Heisman winner.
Alabama has its starting quarterback for the 2026 season. Head coach Kalen DeBoer announced on Saturday that Keelon Russell, a Five-Star Plus+ prospect out of Duncanville, Texas, has won the competition over Austin Mack and will open the year as the Crimson Tide's signal-caller.
The decision sets up Russell, who has at least two years of college eligibility remaining, as the centerpiece of Alabama's offense. Mack, despite losing the starting job, still figures prominently in the program's plans as the backup, with his physical tools drawing favorable long-term assessments.
The Daniels Comparison
Russell's ascension has been accompanied by lofty comparisons from multiple corners of the college football world. ESPN analyst David Pollack was among the most direct, likening the Alabama quarterback's style to former LSU star and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels.
He reminds me of a very specific player. Release, size, shiftiness, running ability. Like, he's a carbon copy for me… it's Jayden Daniels. It's exactly who it is. It's tall, it's skinny, it's fast. His release is quick. I'm telling you. Y'all are going to watch this and just remember… He looks like Daniels.
— ESPN analyst David Pollack
Pollack is not alone in seeing the resemblance. Rivals drew similar conclusions in its high school scouting report on Russell, noting that his frame, arm talent, accuracy, and passing production echoed Daniels, while also pointing to CJ Stroud and Teddy Bridgewater as secondary comparisons. Daniels went on to win the Heisman at LSU and was selected second overall by the Washington Commanders in the NFL Draft.
DeBoer brings relevant credentials to developing the position. During his tenure, Michael Penix was taken by the Atlanta Falcons and Ty Simpson was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams, giving the coaching staff a recent track record of moving quarterbacks into the first round. Alabama opens the 2026 season against East Carolina on Sept. 5 before Russell faces a significant early test the following week in an SEC road game at Kentucky.
