Love Each Other: Austin Mack’s Continuing Impact on Keelon Russell at Alabama
A moment after the win
As Alabama celebrated its 31-13 victory over LSU, Mack stepped away from the crowd to find Russell. He then looked for freshman quarterback Jett Thomalla and former walk-on John Gazzaniga.
The four gathered for a photograph after the top-15 victory. Mack’s effort to bring the group together reflected the leadership he has shown as the quarterback room’s veteran.
Russell credits Mack’s guidance
Russell completed 17 of 24 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns, with no turnovers. The sophomore delivered the cleanest performance of his career despite a sluggish running game, pre-snap penalties, LSU’s defensive pressure and an ankle injury in the third quarter.
A bond built through competition
Mack and Russell spent time together as backups to Ty Simpson last year, then competed for Alabama’s starting role during the offseason. Mack did not win the job, but has continued helping Russell improve.
Mack is expected to move to a new home in three months, likely at a Power Four school where he can start. For now, he remains part of Alabama’s close-knit quarterback group and one of Russell’s confidants. Russell described the players’ relationship as a brotherhood and said, “we love each other.”
Key points
- Mack gathered Russell, Thomalla and Gazzaniga for a photo after Alabama beat LSU 31-13.
- Russell threw for 206 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover.
- Mack has advised Russell since their time as backups and through their competition for the starting job.
- Mack is expected to leave in three months for a likely starting opportunity at a Power Four school.