DeBoer Doesn't Show Cards at QB After Scrimmage 2

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer didn't tip his hand at who the starting quarterback will be during Thursday's post-scrimmage press conference, but both quarterbacks improved on the day, according to those in attendance and DeBoer.

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"I think it’s just been consistent. I think when I say pre-snap, it is everyone. But I think a lot of that starts with the quarterback, right? How he comes in the huddle. I think they’re clean with the command and calls and getting to the line of scrimmage," DeBoer said.

"I would say this: I think pre-snap, any checks, I felt like they were on it on another level than what they were a week ago, which is what you’d expect. And we made a note of that, and they’ve improved on that drastically. More than anything, getting us out of bad calls and bad looks. And that’s a big part of the quarterback’s job, and then executing the play.

“So, we’ll work through it here this weekend, see where we’re at, and just continue to discuss it as a coaching staff.”

Sources in attendance told Tide 100.9 that Keelon Russell was the first quarterback to get reps on Thursday, leading the first-team offense alongside freshman running back Trae'shawn Brown. Russell led the offense to three scoring drives early, but he did have the lone turnover on the day: a pick-six to Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. while trying to make a play outside of the pocket.

Prior to DeBoer's press conference, On3 national insider Chris Low said on X that he expects Keelon Russell to be named the starting quarterback, "by early next week."

"We can go win with either one of them. I feel very comfortable with that," DeBoer said. "Obviously, we got to pick one, and we will, we will pick one, and we’ll continue working through that here in the days ahead."

Alabama will return to the practice field for fall camp practice No. 14 on Sunday morning. Alabama's first game of the 2026 season is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, at home against East Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.