Keelon Russell still has to win Alabama's QB competition, and make no mistake: Austin Mack is very much alive in the battle, and fall camp will produce a dogfight between the two. His talent is undeniable, and his dual-threat ability could be key as Alabama breaks in a brand-new offensive line. That fact has at least one SEC Network host speaking in bold terms about Russell's ability and Alabama's outlook in 2026. The majority of the talk around the Crimson Tide has been negative, in spite of the fact that Alabama won 11 games last season and won a road playoff game over Oklahoma. That's what I mean when you see me writing about how badly the national media wants to bury Alabama football.