Overview
- Yea Alabama announced that quarterbacks Austin Mack and Keelon Russell signed deals to return for the 2026 season.
- Their returns set up a two-man competition to replace Ty Simpson, who declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Reports say at least one program offered Simpson up to $6.5 million to play next season, with multiple SEC schools presenting offers of $4 million or more.
- Despite those overtures, reporting indicates Simpson is still expected to remain in the draft, with the NFL declaration deadline Wednesday and the transfer portal window open through Jan. 16.
- Mack, Simpson’s 2025 backup, went 11-of-16 for 103 yards in the Rose Bowl after Simpson’s injury, while Russell, a former five-star, completed 11-of-15 for 143 yards and two touchdowns in limited action.