Jan 09, 2026
3 min read
Alabama football also has a quarterback-sized hole to fill its roster.Crimson Tide starter Ty Simpson announced Wednesday that he will enter the NFL draft.
For the 2026 season, Cullen Devor and the team will have to choose a new player.Below are the main options that could be to replace Simpson.
If he chooses to stay and doesn't enter the transfer window for a more guaranteed starting job, Macca will be a real possibility.The rising redshirt freshman followed DeBoer from Washington and spent two seasons on the bench in Tuscaloosa.
Mack is Alabama's starting quarterback this season.He saw action to end the year at the Rose Bowl, after Simpson suffered a broken rib and had to leave the game.
Mack was 11-for-16 passing for 103 yards in that game.He finished the year with 228 yards and two touchdowns.
"Coming out of high school a year earlier in Washington, I know my plan for myself is that I want to develop like Tom Brady," Mack said before the Rose Bowl."I know everybody has a different path. Ty's had his own path. I've had my own path. Keelon (Russell) has his own path. For me, it's just getting ready for the opportunity and knowing that when the time comes, I'll be ready."
The team's top running back coming out of high school will need to compete for the starting job in his second season.Russell told reporters before the Rose Bowl loss that he was locked in returning to Alabama after opting out in 2025.
“We've talked about (patience) almost every week,” Russell said."Like, it's a learning moment. Like I said, it's a learning moment. You know, sometimes you have to be patient. Ty waited four years to get this job, and he's really like my inspiration. Learned a lot just watching him over the last four years."
Russell was a five-star prospect at Duncanville High School in Texas.It was an early recruiting win for DeBoer and company, overturning his commitment from SMU.
This guy has a lot of energy.Will he be ready to lead the Crimson Tide in 2026?
Alabama certainly has not been noted that his newest crop of true freshmen will be key players for the starting work.However, if one of them is, Thomalla is the highest rated option that comes from high school.
Thomalla joined Alabama early and participated in bowl practice before Indiana's loss.But the offense favored by DeBoer and Grubb may take some time to learn, putting it at a disadvantage until at least 2026.
The young man was a four-star recruit out of Millard South High School in Nebraska.The 247Sports Composite ranks him as the seventh quarterback prospect in the 2026 class.
Kawa, Alabama's second quarterback taken in the 2026 class, joins from Orem, Utah.He was rated as a three-star prospect by the 247-Composite.
"As far as Jett and Tyden, I just love what they bring, from the talent to the weapons, the mentality to win, just keep going," DeBoer said as the group signed."It is important for us. And they both know it comes to each other, I mean, we are very transparent. And that. And I like that. I like that they are open to competition. Compete with other guys in our program who are already very good and then both go to the same class in the first year."
Although DeBere and the rest of the staff really liked Kaava in high school, he still seems like a tough starter.
Alabama can go out and add another team.Whether that player will compete for a starting job or provide regular depth is an interesting question.
If Alabama can keep Mack and Russell in the next few days, it may not make sense to bring a third player into the game.Starting quarterbacks are expensive, and UA may want to invest in other areas of need.
The portal is open for university student registration until January 16th. Incoming players can sign with a new team at any time.
