Is Alabama’s 6-foot-6 quarterback, Austin Mack, being overlooked in the Crimson Tide’s ongoing quarterback competition?
The quarterback battle for Alabama football has largely focused on Ty Simpson, the team’s most seasoned quarterback, and Keelon Russell, a highly regarded freshman and former five-star recruit. This rivalry is expected to intensify in the spring, when all three quarterbacks—Simpson, Russell, and Mack—will have the opportunity to stake their claim for the starting position. However, despite the buzz surrounding Simpson and Russell, Austin Mack, at 6-foot-6, may be the “sleeping giant” in the competition, slowly positioning himself as a serious contender.
Mack, who joined Alabama after transferring from Washington, has been working relentlessly to establish himself as a viable option for the starting role. Known for his dedication, Mack has received high praise from his coach, Kalen DeBoer. According to DeBoer, Mack is one of the hardest workers on the team, often seen putting in extra time outside of normal practices. “There’s a lot of guys that pour a lot into it,” DeBoer said, “but he’s doing stuff on his own pretty much every day. You pick an early morning time when we don’t have a practice, he’s doing something in some facility in here.”
These comments highlight Mack’s commitment and work ethic, which may give him an edge as the competition unfolds. Despite not having significant playing time during the 2024 season, Mack is laying the groundwork to compete for the starting role.
His college journey started at Washington, where he initially showcased promise before transferring to Alabama when Kalen DeBoer took over as head coach of the Tide. During the 2024 season, Mack was relegated to the fourth-string quarterback position and saw limited action, playing in just one game. However, even with limited opportunities, he displayed his potential. In his lone appearance, Mack completed two passes for 39 yards and a touchdown against Mercer, a game where he notably demonstrated his ability to throw a deep ball with accuracy.
Mack’s performance in that game, though brief, turned heads, as he showcased his impressive arm strength and precision on deep throws. This ability to deliver the ball accurately at a distance could be a crucial asset in Alabama’s offensive scheme, making Mack a candidate who should not be discounted just because he was not a starter in 2024.
Mack’s recruitment story also adds an intriguing layer to his potential. A former four-star recruit, Mack was highly regarded coming out of high school. In his junior year, he threw for over 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns, with only five interceptions. His ability to operate from the pocket and deliver accurate passes stood out during that season, indicating his capability to thrive in a high-pressure, collegiate environment. Although his senior year performance was less publicized, his early success highlights the potential that was recognized by college scouts, and he will likely continue to develop under the guidance of DeBoer and the Alabama coaching staff.
As the spring approaches and the quarterback battle intensifies, all eyes will be on who rises to the occasion. Ty Simpson, with his experience, and Keelon Russell, with his high-profile recruitment, have naturally drawn much of the attention. However, Austin Mack’s work ethic, experience, and potential could make him a dark horse in this race. He is the kind of player who, though perhaps flying under the radar at the moment, could surprise many with his development and readiness to take on the starting role.
The outcome of this competition will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated storylines of Alabama’s spring practices. The Crimson Tide faithful will be closely watching to see if Mack can capitalize on his dedication and skills, challenging the more heavily discussed names like Simpson and Russell. While it remains to be seen whether Mack will emerge as the starting quarterback, his story serves as a reminder that the underdog can sometimes be the sleeper pick in a battle for a coveted position. As the spring competition progresses, Austin Mack will be a name to watch closely, and his rise could very well be one of the more compelling narratives in Alabama football’s upcoming season.
