**QB Austin Mack Decommits from Alabama, Flips Commitment to Texas Longhorns**
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, four-star quarterback Austin Mack has decommitted from the University of Alabama and flipped his commitment to the Texas Longhorns. The decision, announced via social media, marks a significant shift in the 2025 recruiting landscape and underscores the growing momentum of Texas under head coach Steve Sarkisian. For Alabama, the loss of Mack is a notable setback, as the highly touted signal-caller was seen as a key piece of their future offensive plans. Meanwhile, Texas secures another elite talent in what is shaping up to be one of the strongest recruiting classes in the nation.
Mack, a 6’6”, 220-pound quarterback from Folsom High School in California, had been committed to Alabama since June 2023, choosing the Crimson Tide over offers from Oregon, Washington, and others. His decision to flip to Texas comes after an official visit to Austin, where he reportedly connected strongly with Sarkisian and the Longhorns’ offensive staff. Known for his pro-style passing ability, athleticism, and high football IQ, Mack is ranked as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class, making his recruitment a fiercely contested battle among premier programs. His decommitment from Alabama is particularly surprising given the program’s historic dominance in recruiting, especially at the quarterback position under former head coach Nick Saban.
The departure of Saban, who retired in January 2024, appears to have played a role in Mack’s decision. While new Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has worked diligently to maintain the Tide’s recruiting momentum, the coaching transition has inevitably led to some uncertainty. Texas, on the other hand, has been riding a wave of positive energy following its College Football Playoff appearance in 2023 and the continued development of quarterback Arch Manning, who is expected to take over as the starter in 2025. For Mack, the opportunity to learn under Sarkisian—a renowned quarterback developer who has worked with talents like Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Caleb Williams—was likely a major factor in his choice.
Texas’ quarterback room is becoming increasingly stacked, with Mack joining an already impressive group that includes Manning and current starter Quinn Ewers, who could potentially depart for the NFL after the 2024 season. Sarkisian’s ability to develop and manage elite quarterback talent has been a key selling point for recruits, and Mack’s commitment further solidifies Texas as a destination for top-tier passers. The Longhorns’ offensive system, which blends pro-style concepts with modern spread elements, is an ideal fit for Mack’s skill set, allowing him to thrive both as a pocket passer and a playmaker outside the structure of the offense.
For Alabama, losing Mack is a blow, but not an insurmountable one. DeBoer and his staff have already secured a commitment from another highly regarded 2025 quarterback, Keelon Russell, a dual-threat prospect from Texas. However, Mack’s departure raises questions about whether the Tide’s recruiting dominance will remain as unchallenged as it was under Saban. DeBoer has a strong track record of developing quarterbacks, as seen during his time at Washington with Michael Penix Jr., but the transition period following a legendary coach’s exit is always tricky. Alabama will now have to work even harder to ensure that other commits remain solid as the 2025 cycle progresses.
The broader implications of Mack’s flip extend beyond just Alabama and Texas. This move is another indicator of the shifting balance of power in college football, with Texas reasserting itself as a national recruiting force. The Longhorns’ resurgence under Sarkisian, combined with their impending move to the SEC in 2024, has positioned them as a major player in both the present and future of the sport. Landing a quarterback of Mack’s caliber not only strengthens their roster but also sends a message to other elite recruits that Texas is a program on the rise.
Mack’s decision also highlights the increasing importance of relationships in recruiting. While Alabama’s brand is still one of the strongest in college football, the personal connection between a recruit and a coaching staff can often be the deciding factor. Sarkisian’s reputation as a quarterback guru, along with Texas’ recent on-field success, clearly resonated with Mack more than Alabama’s pitch under its new regime. In the modern recruiting landscape, where early playing time, development potential, and NIL opportunities all play a role, programs must continuously adapt to stay ahead.
For Mack, the next step will be enrolling early at Texas, where he will have the chance to compete for the starting job in 2026, assuming Manning follows the expected trajectory of taking over in 2025 before potentially heading to the NFL. The Longhorns’ quarterback succession plan is now set up beautifully, with Ewers, Manning, and Mack forming a pipeline of elite talent that could keep Texas in national title contention for years to come.
As for Alabama, the focus will shift to ensuring no further defections while targeting other top quarterback prospects to compete with Russell. The Tide remain a powerhouse, but the margin for error in recruiting is thinner without Saban’s unparalleled presence. DeBoer’s ability to stabilize the program and maintain its elite status will be tested, starting with how he responds to this high-profile decommitment.
In the end, Austin Mack’s flip to Texas is more than just a recruiting win for the Longhorns—it’s a statement. It signals that Texas is fully back as a destination for the nation’s best players, capable of going head-to-head with Alabama and winning key battles. For Mack, it’s the next chapter in a journey that could see him become the face of a program on the verge of championship glory. And for college football as a whole, it’s a reminder that the sport’s landscape is always evolving, with new challengers rising to challenge the established order.
The 2025 season is still over a year away, but the ramifications of this decision will be felt long before then. Alabama will regroup, Texas will celebrate, and Austin Mack will begin preparing for what could be a career-defining chapter in Austin. One thing is certain: the road to college football’s future just got even more interesting.
