Week 5 of the 2026 College Football Season

As we dive into Week 5 of the 2026 college football season, there are some major matchups lined up. Fresh from an eye-catching upset against Michigan, No. 14 Iowa aims to maintain their momentum at No. 5 Ohio State’s home ground. Meanwhile, Florida, now sitting at No. 8, is set to face a challenging away game against No. 25 Missouri.

Switching gears to the SEC, a rivalry game is on the horizon that could not only impact the conference this season but also influence the quarterback dynamics for years to come.

Regarded by some as the Battle for Highway 82 or the 90 Mile Drive, the long-standing rivalry between Alabama and Mississippi State makes its return to the SEC schedule for the first time since the 2023 season. This rivalry, steeped in history since 1896, has seen the Crimson Tide largely dominating the competition. Heading into Saturday’s game, Alabama holds the series lead at 86-18-3, and they are favored once again this year.

The key storyline for this matchup revolves around the quarterbacks—Keelon Russell for Alabama and Kamario Taylor for Mississippi State. Their performance will not only define this game but could also shape the quarterback landscape for several seasons ahead, possibly extending to the NFL.

Keelon Russell’s Journey at Alabama

Keelon Russell has always seemed to be on a trajectory towards prominent college football.

After leading Duncanville High School in Texas to a state championship in 2023, throwing for close to 3,500 yards, and achieving 38 touchdowns with just three interceptions, it was clear he had talent. Initially, a five-star recruit committed to playing for SMU, he switched his commitment to Alabama in the summer of 2024.

Russell’s standout moment came during the 2024 Elite 11 Finals—an elite quarterback competition—where he impressed coaches, who praised the group as potentially the most talented they’d encountered.

“Keelon’s super polished,” stated Quincy Avery, a veteran coach at the Elite 11 camp. “His quick grasp of complex plays, combined with his ability to execute smoothly, showcases his high-level skills.”

Recognized as MVP of the Elite 11 camp, Russell spent his freshman year in 2025 learning under Ty Simpson but then clinched the starting quarterback position just before the 2026 season began.

Now, Russell has led Alabama to a flawless 4-0 record, achieving two SEC wins along the way. His stats reflect a solid performance, with 78 completions out of 110 attempts, translating to a completion rate of 70.9%, eight touchdowns, and only two interceptions.

He is maturing and finding his rhythm within the Crimson Tide’s offense.

“Every game is unique, but I think he’s really grown from our first match,” commented Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer after a 49-18 victory over South Carolina. “He trusts his teammates and seems more comfortable within the offense.”

The challenge of containing him falls on Mississippi State’s coach, Jeff Lebby, who remarked on Russell’s talent earlier this week.

“He’s incredibly accurate,” Lebby noted. “He handles the ball well and has numerous threats at his disposal. He plays beyond his experience.”

What’s particularly striking about Russell is his calmness and confidence under pressure. He doesn’t appear to be just a first-year starter in the SEC; rather, he seems seasoned, managing plays as effectively as a veteran. An impressive touchdown throw against South Carolina highlights this composure as he maintains focus in the pocket.

However, the upcoming game in Starkville may be his biggest test yet. Though he’s put together impressive numbers this season, it’s worth noting that three of Alabama’s victories were at home, and they had to battle back after trailing in their only road game against Kentucky.

Kamario Taylor’s Rise in Starkville

As mentioned, the 2024 Elite 11 competition featured some of the brightest talents from the quarterback class of 2025, including both Russell and Kamario Taylor.

Despite Russell’s quick rise to prominence, Taylor’s journey started more slowly. However, the coaches noted his improvement as the camp progressed, and he made a significant impact during the final day of competition.

“He was a bit raw initially,” Avery said. “But what impressed us was his innate awareness and arm strength, along with a natural ability to play the game.”

Brian Stumpf, president of the Elite 11 camp, added that Taylor represented the kind of prospect the camp was aimed at nurturing.

“He was a standout from a small school, not playing high-level travel football,” Stumpf mentioned. “He approached the camp with confidence, adapting quickly despite the pressure.”

Rated as a four-star recruit from Noxubee County High School in Macon, Mississippi, Taylor was quick to commit to Mississippi State, even amidst coaching changes and after receiving offers from larger programs like Georgia and Texas A&M. It’s notable that he chose to stay loyal to the Bulldogs despite their struggles, reflected in a challenging season.

After spending most of his freshman season backing up senior Blake Shapen, he eventually got his chance to start in the final two games, including the highly anticipated Egg Bowl against Ole Miss.

In those two appearances, though the team faced defeats, Taylor showcased his potential, completing 28 of 53 passes for 419 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. His performance led to potential transfer conversations, with significant offers on the table.

Nevertheless, he reaffirmed his commitment to Mississippi State.

“They may not truly know who I am,” Taylor said. “My mom always told me, once you start something, see it through.”

Now, he and the Bulldogs are also enjoying a 4-0 record, garnering national rankings for the first time since 2022. A win against Alabama would mark a significant achievement and could elevate Taylor into the spotlight.

His impressive performances have seen him complete 83 of 120 passes, tallying 1,192 yards, and throwing 14 touchdowns with only two interceptions.

If there’s one aspect of Taylor’s game that stands out, it’s his capability with deep throws—he might even boast one of the best deep passing games among sophomores. A recent touchdown highlight featured a near-perfect throw that showcased these skills.

Coach DeBoer acknowledged Taylor’s talent ahead of Saturday’s game, emphasizing his abilities beyond just deep throws.

DeBoer described him as “extremely talented,” noting his experience in managing game scenarios while also being a threat on the run.

There’s no question—this game is set up to be exciting.

In 2026, it’s worth mentioning that college football evolves quickly; players transfer, and rosters change, making rivalries a bit unpredictable.

Yet both Taylor and Russell seem committed to their respective teams at the moment. Taylor’s repeated commitment to Mississippi State speaks volumes about his dedication despite various options. While this first clash could lay the groundwork for their rivalry, it probably won’t be the last.

This ongoing competition looks promising, possibly extending beyond the college scene and into professional play in the future.