What's next for Austin Mack after losing consecutive quarterback competitions?

Key Points:

• Austin Mack has lost the quarterback competition at Alabama for the third consecutive season, now serving as backup to starter Keelon Russell, a five-star recruit and sophomore who pulled ahead this summer.
• Mack has been a backup throughout his college career, including stints behind NFL draft picks and top recruits, and faces limited playing opportunities this season given Alabama’s nine-game SEC schedule and key non-conference matchups.
• Despite his readiness and experience, Mack’s chances to start are slim unless an injury occurs to Russell, and the coaching staff prefers a clear starting quarterback entering the season.
• With only one year of eligibility remaining and a crowded quarterback room including incoming freshmen, Mack is a likely candidate to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it reopens in January 2025 to seek starting opportunities elsewhere.
• Mack, who enrolled early at Washington at age 16 and graduated from Alabama, is still young for his experience level and aims to position himself for the 2028 NFL draft by finding a starting role at another program.