Image source: AP Photo/Wade Payne | al.com
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer praises quarterback Austin Mack’s growth as the Crimson Tide prepare for spring football while both basketball teams begin their NCAA Tournament journeys.
Momentum continues to build across several programs at Alabama as spring approaches. The weekend brought a mix of results for the Crimson Tide, with strong performances in gymnastics and softball but a challenging road series for baseball.
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At the same time, both Alabama basketball teams learned their paths in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, the football program has shifted its focus to spring practices and key roster competitions.
One of the most important storylines revolves around the quarterback position. Head coach Kalen DeBoer believes continuity within the program could be a major advantage—especially for young quarterback Austin Mack.
Alabama Basketball Teams Learn NCAA Tournament Paths
The Alabama women’s basketball team, led by head coach Kristy Curry, earned a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Crimson Tide will travel to Louisville, Kentucky, where they will face Rhode Island in the first round on March 21.
Louisville will host the regional and will play Vermont in its opening matchup. If Alabama advances, the Tide could potentially meet the host Cardinals later in the tournament.
The men’s basketball team also secured a favorable tournament position. Alabama landed a No. 4 seed and will begin its tournament run against Hofstra in Tampa, Florida.
Key tournament notes:
- Alabama opens the tournament against Hofstra.
- A potential second-round opponent could be Texas Tech or Akron.
- Texas Tech may be weakened after star forward JT Toppin suffered an injury.
The injury could shift the competitive balance in that portion of the bracket and potentially help Alabama if the teams meet later.
Mixed Weekend for Alabama Athletics
While basketball grabbed headlines, other Alabama programs had a busy weekend.
The gymnastics team delivered a strong performance despite a narrow loss to Georgia. The Crimson Tide posted a 197.425 score, showing encouraging form as the postseason approaches.
Softball enjoyed a successful series, winning two of three games against Arkansas. The series win highlights the team’s steady start to the season.
Baseball, however, faced a difficult challenge on the road. Alabama was swept by Kentucky, a tough result for head coach Rob Vaughn’s squad.
The challenge is especially significant given the strength of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), which features numerous ranked teams and is widely regarded as one of the toughest conferences in college baseball.
Austin Mack Emerging in Alabama’s Quarterback Competition
Spring football has brought renewed attention to Alabama’s quarterback battle.
Rather than pursuing a veteran quarterback in the transfer portal, Kalen DeBoer has chosen to trust the players already in the system. Austin Mack is entering his fourth season in DeBoer’s offensive scheme, giving him a strong understanding of the playbook.
Mack showed promise during the Rose Bowl against Indiana after starting quarterback Ty Simpson was forced to leave the game with an injury.
In that appearance, Mack completed:
- 11 of 16 passes
- 103 passing yards
The performance gave fans and coaches a glimpse of his potential.
DeBoer has praised Mack’s athletic ability and arm strength, noting his ability to make difficult throws across the field and push the ball downfield. However, the competition is far from decided.
Highly regarded freshman Keelon Russell is also competing for the starting role, giving Alabama multiple options at the position.
Roster Adjustments and Offensive Line Depth
Another important offseason storyline involves roster management.
Recent changes tied to revenue sharing in college athletics have introduced a new roster cap of 105 players, replacing the long-standing 85-scholarship limit.
Currently, Alabama lists more than 110 players on its roster, and additional recruits are expected to arrive this summer. As a result, the coaching staff will need to reduce the roster before the July deadline.
Meanwhile, Alabama could receive help along the offensive line from Nick Brooks, a transfer from Texas.
Brooks brings impressive size at 6-foot-7 and 339 pounds and logged over 200 snaps last season, mostly at guard with limited experience at tackle.
His versatility could make him a valuable piece for Alabama’s offensive line rotation this season.
Although Alabama athletics experienced mixed results over the weekend, the long-term outlook remains promising across several programs.
Basketball teams are preparing for the NCAA Tournament, softball continues to build momentum, and the football program is laying the groundwork for the upcoming season.
For Kalen DeBoer and Alabama football, much of the attention will remain on the quarterback competition. If Austin Mack continues to develop within the system, he could emerge as a key piece in the Crimson Tide’s next chapter.
With spring football underway and postseason basketball around the corner, the coming weeks will reveal even more about Alabama’s trajectory across multiple sports.
FAQ:
Who is Austin Mack in Alabama football?
Austin Mack is a quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He transferred with head coach Kalen DeBoer and is now entering his fourth season in the offensive system. Mack is competing for the starting quarterback job heading into the 2026 season.
What did Kalen DeBoer say about Austin Mack?
Kalen DeBoer praised Austin Mack’s development and confidence within the offense. The coach highlighted Mack’s strong arm, mobility, and improved timing as key reasons he believes the quarterback is progressing.
How did Austin Mack perform in the Rose Bowl?
Austin Mack stepped in during the Rose Bowl against Indiana after Ty Simpson was injured. Mack completed 11 of 16 passes for 103 yards and showed solid poise while leading the offense.
Is Austin Mack the favorite to start at quarterback for Alabama?
The starting quarterback job has not been officially decided. However, Mack has an advantage because of his experience in Kalen DeBoer’s system. Freshman Keelon Russell is also competing for the role.
Why didn’t Alabama add a quarterback through the transfer portal?
Kalen DeBoer chose not to bring in another quarterback because he trusts the players already in the program. The coaching staff believes Austin Mack and Keelon Russell have strong potential.
Who does Alabama play in the NCAA Tournament?
The Alabama men’s basketball team will face Hofstra in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, the Alabama women’s basketball team will play Rhode Island in their opening matchup.
What changes are coming to Alabama’s football roster?
New roster rules tied to revenue sharing will limit college football teams to 105 players. Alabama currently has more than 110 players on the roster, so the coaching staff will need to reduce the squad before the July deadline.
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DeBoer Sees Progress From QB Austin Mack at Alabama