Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer, navigating the ebb and flow of the transfer portal, made a significant addition to the Crimson Tide’s roster on Thursday. Former Washington quarterback Austin Mack has joined Alabama, marking DeBoer’s first successful recruitment from the transfer market.
Mack, initially signed with Washington in the 2023 class, hails from Loomis, California. Originally slated for the 2024 class, he opted for early enrollment after reclassifying. Despite taking a redshirt season and not seeing action under DeBoer’s leadership, Mack’s arrival bolsters Alabama’s quarterback depth. With Jalen Milroe returning as the starter, Mack joins a formidable lineup that includes Ty Simpson and December signee Julian Sayin from the 2024 cycle.
Sayin, a five-star prospect ranked No. 3 overall in the ESPN 300, has already commenced his journey with Alabama, contributing to the team’s impressive quarterback arsenal.
Mack’s departure from Washington adds to the challenges faced by new coach Jedd Fisch, who is grappling with depth issues at the quarterback position. Washington has witnessed a succession of quarterbacks, including Dylan Morris, Will Haskell, Mack, and transfer Will Rogers, entering the transfer portal. Rogers, a recent addition to the program, reentered the portal following DeBoer’s move to Alabama.
Amidst the quarterback shuffle, Fisch eyes an opportunity to secure Demond Williams Jr., whom he signed at Arizona in December. Williams, now in the transfer portal, is planning a visit to Washington in the near future.
For DeBoer, Mack’s transfer represents the initial step in addressing the voids left by the departure of 25 scholarship players from the program this offseason. Simultaneously, DeBoer is actively fortifying his coaching staff, with plans to bring in Wisconsin safeties coach/co-defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler. The intricate dance of player transfers and coaching additions unfolds as Alabama gears up for the upcoming college football season.