Keelon Russell NEEDS To Start For Alabama In 2026
Ryan Roberts and Joe Deleone of The Best Pod Available highlight one quarterback battle that has drawn the nation's attention this offseason. The battle in Tuscaloosa for the Alabama Crimson Tide's starting quarterback between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell could have drastic consequences for the future of the program and Joe Deleone lays out why Russell gives the Tide the best chance for success this season.
Video Transcript
The one take that I've stood on that I believe is best for the success of this Alabama team, as exciting as Austin Mack could be and as reliable as he could be, I think that they just need to start Keilan Russell because with uncertainty of their offensive line and a lack of clarity on how good the run game is gonna be, you have the opportunity to start a kid that is a supreme athlete, a, a really, really good athlete, very elusive.
He's gonna add something to your team that you, you needed.
You needed- Mm-hmm creativity as a runner from your quarterback position.
Ty Simpson was pretty elusive, but he's not an athlete like Keilan Russell is.
That's how you improve your run game if you don't really have anything that you can count on, is have a kid who can scramble and make plays when everything breaks down.
It kinda reminds me of the Notre Dame quarterback battle last year where you have two really talented options.
Mack's probably gonna be ahead most of fall camp, but when it comes down to making a decision, it's far better for your future and for your success to turn the keys over to the five-star freshman.
And while many- Right people might be frustrated with that, eventually I think the five-star freshman's gonna pay dividends, and you're gonna see the results pretty quickly into the 2026 season.
I, I c- I can see that comparison to last year's quarterback battle for Notre Dame
