In today’s college football world, it feels rare to see two talented quarterbacks stay in the same room and continue competing instead of immediately entering the transfer portal.
But that’s exactly what’s happening at Alabama Crimson Tide football under head coach Kalen DeBoer.
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During SEC Spring Meetings, DeBoer was asked how Alabama managed to keep both Austin Mack and Keelon Russell from transferring despite the quarterback battle continuing in Tuscaloosa.
And honestly, his answer tells you a lot about the culture Alabama is building right now.
“That’s a great question,” DeBoer said. “I think I would give credit to both of those two, Keelon and Austin are two guys that are competitive. They have a belief in themselves, and each of them feeling that they can go win the job and that they can do what it takes to win here at Alabama.”
That confidence matters.
Neither Mack nor Russell came to Alabama looking for guarantees.
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They came to compete for the biggest job in college football.
In an era where players often leave the second adversity hits, Alabama still has quarterbacks willing to stay, battle, and trust the process.
But DeBoer made it clear the environment inside Alabama’s quarterback room has also played a major role.
Last season, Ty Simpson was heavily involved in the competition as well, and according to DeBoer, the room stayed competitive without becoming divided.
“But I also would say that I think there’s an environment in that room because last year with Ty (Simpson) being involved, I mean there was three guys competing and we continue to bring in more guys that want to be a part,” DeBoer said. “But why do they want to be a part? They want to be a part of our program, of course, want to be a part of our offensive system.”
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DeBoer also credited offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, quarterbacks coach Bryan Ellis, and Nick Sheridan for helping create that atmosphere and keeping the quarterbacks invested in Alabama’s future.
“I think Ryan Grubb, and now Bryan Ellis being in that room as the quarterback’s coach, and I’ll give Nick Sheridan some credit too for keeping those guys around,” DeBoer said. “And kind of Bryan’s now bridged the gap there as the quarterbacks coach.”
More than anything, DeBoer believes the coaching staff has built trust with the quarterbacks by pushing them every single day while helping them develop as players and leaders.
“But what does it look like? you’re giving them opportunities, you’re challenging them,” DeBoer said. “They feel like they’re getting better and reaching their potential, and you’re giving them everything you got.”
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And maybe the biggest thing DeBoer said was this:
“They love their teammates, their teammates love them back because they do stay, and they place priority on the most important things, and that’s just being the best, bringing a great attitude and effort every single day.”
That sounds like exactly the kind of culture Alabama football is trying to rebuild under Kalen DeBoer.
Roll Tide.
