Alabama expected to start Austin Mack against Vanderbilt
Keelon Russell is listed as probable after an ankle injury, but Alabama is expected to rest him while keeping him available.
Austin Mack is expected to replace Keelon Russell as Alabama’s starting quarterback against Vanderbilt, according to a November 13 report by Pete Thamel, citing sources. Russell is expected to be available, though the coaching staff is expected to keep him out to allow his ankle to heal.
Russell injured the ankle in the second half of Alabama’s win over LSU in Baton Rouge. He continued playing and finished with 17 completions, 206 yards and three touchdowns. Listed as probable for the Vanderbilt matchup, Russell ranks among the SEC’s top three quarterbacks in both passing yards and passing touchdowns.
Mack, a 6-foot-6 senior from Loomis, California, went to Washington before following coach Kalen DeBoer to Alabama. He did not play during his freshman season and has made brief appearances in seven games over the past three years.
His appearances against East Carolina and Mississippi State this season produced a combined 23 passing yards and one rushing touchdown. Alabama’s previous visit to Nashville ended with a 40-35 loss in 2024, when the Crimson Tide were ranked No. 1.
