Alabama football is faced with a significant challenge as quarterback Ty Simpson has officially declared for the NFL Draft, leaving the Crimson Tide with a void to fill. As preparations begin for the 2026 season, head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff must evaluate their options to find a new starting quarterback.
Austin Mack emerges as a strong candidate for the position. The rising redshirt junior has spent two seasons learning under DeBoer after transferring from Washington and served as Alabama’s primary backup this past season. In the Rose Bowl, Mack displayed his potential, stepping in when Simpson suffered a cracked rib. He completed 11 of 16 passes for 103 yards, ending the season with a total of 228 yards and two touchdowns. Mack has expressed his commitment to developing his skills, aiming to create a career path similar to that of his idol, Tom Brady, while emphasizing his readiness to seize the opportunity when it arises.
Another promising contender is Keelon Russell, who was the highest-rated quarterback in his recruiting class. After redshirting in 2025, Russell is eager to compete for the starter role. He has been vocal about the importance of patience in his journey, drawing inspiration from Simpson’s four-year path to becoming a starter. Russell’s status as a five-star prospect from Duncanville High School brings immense potential, raising questions about his readiness to lead the Tide offense in 2026.
Jett Thomalla, a four-star recruit from Millard South in Nebraska, is another new face in Alabama’s quarterback room. Although the true freshmen are not expected to be immediate contenders for the starting job, Thomalla’s early participation in bowl practices could provide a foundation for his development, despite the complexities of DeBoer’s offensive system.
Additionally, Tayden Kaawa, a three-star prospect from Orem, Utah, joins the conversation. DeBoer has praised both Thomalla and Kaawa for their arm talent and mentality, indicating a competitive environment in practice. However, like Thomalla, Kaawa may face challenges in securing a starting role right away.
The prospect of utilizing the transfer portal adds another layer to Alabama’s quarterback search. With the portal open for undergraduate entry until January 16, the Tide could potentially recruit a seasoned quarterback to join the fight for the starting position. If both Mack and Russell remain with the program, the addition of a veteran could serve as critical depth rather than a direct competition for the starting job.
As Alabama navigates the complexities of filling the quarterback position, the hope remains that the combination of returning players and potential new additions can lead to a successful season ahead. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining who will ultimately step up as the leader of the Crimson Tide’s offense in 2026.