Alabama football finally got its first true test of fall camp Thursday, taking the field inside Bryant-Denny Stadium for a lengthy scrimmage as preparations for the 2026 season continued. The Crimson Tide’s first scrimmage provided an early look at several position battles, including the competition at quarterback, while also giving coaches an opportunity to evaluate the roster in a game-like setting.
One of the biggest storylines remains the quarterback competition between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack. Head coach Kalen DeBoer said afterward that the scrimmage did not bring him any closer to selecting a starter. Both quarterbacks had slow moments early before settling into a better rhythm as the session progressed.
Mack reportedly finished with three touchdown passes, although his day began with an interception when a pass bounced off Marshall Pritchett’s hands. Russell recorded one touchdown pass, connecting with Ryan Coleman-Williams, while also throwing an interception.
The defensive front also made its presence felt. Alabama has invested heavily in rebuilding its defensive line this offseason, adding size and experience through the transfer portal. That revamped unit reportedly created problems for the offensive line, particularly early in the scrimmage.
The offensive line, meanwhile, remains one of the most closely watched groups on the team. Alabama has only one returning starter from last season’s unit, Michael Carroll, meaning the Tide are depending on several newcomers to develop chemistry quickly. DeBoer has nevertheless praised the group’s progress during camp.
The running-back room also suffered a setback. Alabama running back AK Dear sustained an injury during the scrimmage after scoring a touchdown. The injury adds another layer of uncertainty to a position group Alabama desperately wants to improve in 2026.
Despite the injury, the scrimmage provided plenty of encouraging signs. DeBoer said both quarterbacks improved as the session progressed and emphasized that successful execution requires every position group to do its job.
The Tide’s rebuilt inside-linebacker group also received praise. Alabama lost all three of last year’s primary starters at the position, but DeBoer said the new group has been consistent and has handled communication responsibilities well.
Perhaps the most important takeaway is that Alabama still has plenty to figure out. The first scrimmage was never expected to settle every position battle, particularly at quarterback. Instead, it gave DeBoer and his staff valuable film and exposed areas that need improvement before the season opener.
Alabama will return to practice Sunday before holding another scrimmage the following week. The Crimson Tide open the 2026 season against East Carolina on September 5, giving the coaching staff several more opportunities to evaluate the roster and establish its final lineup.
For now, the first scrimmage offered exactly what Alabama needed: competition, adversity and a clearer picture of where the team stands heading into the final weeks of preseason preparation.
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