Austin Mack, a former Washington quarterback, joins Alabama

 

 

 

 

Former Washington quarterback Austin Mack became Alabama’s first transfer on Thursday, after the departure of nine players via the transfer portal since DeBoer’s hiring.

Mack, a native of Loomis, California, signed with Washington in the 2023 class. He reclassified and entered early, although he was initially enrolled in the class of 2024. This past season, starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. played most of the snaps for the Huskies; thus, he took a redshirt and did not play under DeBoer.

The return of starting quarterback Josh Malenroe and the signing of Mack offer Alabama some outstanding depth at the position. The Crimson Tide also have Ty Simpson and Julian Sayin, who signed in December of the 2024 cycle.

Syin, a five-star prospect who entered Alabama as the third overall pick in the ESPN 300, has already enrolled.

Mack’s exit increases Jedd Fisch’s depth issues. Quarterbacks Dylan Morris, Will Haskell, Mack, and incoming transfer Will Rogers have all accessed the transfer site, according to the Huskies. Rogers had only recently joined the program over the offseason, but once DeBoer departed for Alabama, he went back through the portal.

With the signing of quarterback Demond Williams Jr. at Arizona in December, Fisch has a chance to acquire him. Williams intends to visit Washington shortly after logging into the transfer site.

DeBoer’s first move in covering the void created by the 25 scholarship players who departed the team this summer is Mack’s departure to Alabama.

Additionally, sources informed ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Thursday night that DeBoer is working on strengthening his coaching staff, as he is anticipated to bring on Wisconsin safety coach and co-defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler.