3 things to know about Austin Mack before Alabama football takes on Vanderbilt
“But when I can truly say, ‘Hey Kalen, hey Ryan (Grubb), Austin needs you,’ I know for a fact that they would have him.” Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Key points
- After Ty Simpson took the reins of the Crimson Tide offense in 2025, Mack lost to Russell ahead of the 2026 season despite being the quarterback Alabama turned to in Simpson's absence in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal loss to Indiana at the 2026 Rose Bowl.
- Here's three things you need to know as Mack is expected to make his first start of the season for the Crimson Tide.
- NASHVILLE — Alabama football is expected to have a new face leading its offense against Vanderbilt Saturday, Nov.
How Austin Mack has performed for Alabama football in 2026 Mack has played sparingly for the Crimson Tide in 2026.
It's just these guys pour into me so much, so I just love those guys." Austin Mack lost to Keelon Russell in Alabama 2026 QB battle Mack fell short in his second try to become Alabama's starting quarterback.
Additional details
- I’m right here.’” Austin Mack originally signed with Kalen DeBoer at Washington Mack was DeBoer's quarterback at Washington, reclassifying and joining the Huskies for its 2023 run to the CFP National Championship Game against Michigan behind Michael Penix Jr.
- As Keelon Russell heals from an ankle injury suffered against LSU, fourth-year senior Austin Mack is expected to make his first start of the 2026 season, the Tuscaloosa News confirmed Friday, Nov.
- When DeBoer left Washington and joined Alabama, Mack entered the NCAA transfer portal and signed with the Crimson Tide days later.
- “I know all teams have the family vibe and so forth,” Lisa Mack, Austin's mother, told The Tuscaloosa News.
- “He didn’t want to be just a number on a roster or a band-aid for a program like, ‘Hey, we need a quarterback, let’s go,’” Brad Mack, Austin's father, previously told The Tuscaloosa News.
How this summary was made: extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting. It is drawn only from the reporting of the sources listed below — read the originals for full detail. How we summarize →
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