Austin Mack, Former 4-Star QB Prospect, Transfers to Alabama After Kalen DeBoer Hire

Former Washington quarterback Austin Mack announced his decision to transfer to Alabama in a social media post on Thursday.

His choice comes less than a week after the Crimson Tide hired Kalen DeBoer as the team's head coach following the retirement of Nick Saban. DeBoer spent the past two seasons with Washington before leaving for Alabama.

Mack was a 4-Star prospect who ranked as the No. 16 quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.

He entered the portal on Sunday after Huskies offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb announced that he wouldn't be returning to the program once he wasn't named the team's next head coach. Grubb is reportedly expected to join DeBoer in Tuscaloosa, according to ESPN's Chris Low.

Although Mack didn't see any snaps during his freshman season with Washington, he could be in line for an increased role due to his prior knowledge of the offensive scheme that the new coaching staff will implement. He will also have four years of eligibility remaining after he reclassified from the 2024 class to the 2023 class in Feb. 2023, per Hayes Fawcett of On3.com.

This clouds the future of signal-caller Jalen Milroe, though. Milroe threw for 2,834 yards and 23 touchdowns to go along with six interceptions in 2023 as Alabama's starter. He remained effective as a dual-threat quarterback, adding 531 yards and 12 scores on the ground. Milroe was excited about the possibility of playing under DeBoer after his hiring was announced.

"Coach DeBoer stands out as one of the most successful and accomplished offensive-minded college football coaches," Milroe said, via Low. "His coaching style and approach bring good energy to the team."

However, DeBoer might start the quarterback that he's familiar with over the Crimson Tide's incumbent starter.