Prior to the Alabama Crimson Tide's first scrimmage in fall camp, Austin Mack appeared to be the frontrunner to win the team's starting quarterback job. But that may have changed.
Keelon Russell clearly had the better day, and even NFL scouts are agreeing. Let's also remember that Nick Saban raved about Russell recently and clearly favored him over Mack.
Now, does that mean Russell is guaranteed to be under center Week 1 against East Carolina? Absolutely not.
It's entirely possible that Kalen DeBoer still gives the edge to Mack given Mack's experience, and Alabama still has another scrimmage on tap, too. Mack could outplay Russell then. Who knows?
But while Mack may be the opening day starter, it's becoming more and more evident that Russell — not Mack — is the more highly-touted prospect.
There is absolutely a chance that Mack starts the year as QB1 and then gets replaced by Russell midseason, which would almost certainly trigger a transfer on the part of Mack.
Mack is a former five-star recruit who has not yet gotten the chance to start. He is shooting for the NFL, so he needs playing time. If the Crimson Tide won't give it to him, you can bet he will find it elsewhere in 2027, his final year of eligibility.
That's the sticking point of this quarterback competition. Russell is only a redshirt freshman. He has a long runway to get on the field. Mack doesn't have that luxury.
Should Mack lose the battle or get usurped by Russell at some point this fall, it will almost surely mark the end of his tenure in Tuscaloosa.
There would be plenty of teams across the country interested in adding the 6-foot-6, 235-pound signal-caller, especially given how highly he was once regarded.
Is it possible that Mack simply isn't as good as many initially thought? Of course, but we'll never know until we get to see him in action for a full season.
The 20-year-old might not get that opportunity at Alabama, which is why he may be on borrowed time with the Tide.
DeBoer will probably make his decision on the starter after the second scrimmage. If he chooses Russell, the writing will be on the wall for Mack.