Cashing Out | August 31, 2026 | Hour 3

**Dustin Swedelson** (0:00)
Is Cashing Out with your host, Dustin Swedelson, on VSiN, the SportsBetting Network.

**Dustin Swedelson** (0:07)
As we prepare for week one of college football, we are still on a fact-finding mission, and that's the thing, there's a lot of unknowns. We think we know, and then unfortunately, for people like me who bet on NC State over the weekend, we find out we don't know anything, and that's a problem here. Now, as far as some teams that could be intriguing, maybe even to make the college football playoff, they're dealing with unknowns as well, and that's part of the reason why I want to chat with our next guest. I'm Dustin Swedelson, it's Cashing Out on VSiN, the sports betting network, and I really enjoyed our chats a year ago with Alex Brink, former Wazoo quarterback on the Wazoo Radio Network, also now joining USA Networks as an analyst for the Pac-12 coverage, but long time working in the Elite 11 Camp. So he's seen a lot of these quarterbacks that have been named starters at these big programs, and he can give us a little bit of insight of what they are, what they aren't, and what the upside of these teams might be heading into the year. Alex joins us now on the Progressive Guest Line. Alex, thanks for doing this, man. I always love hearing your expertise, and I want to begin with Alabama, because they had a battle at quarterback. Keelan Russell took on Austin Mack. Russell wins this job. He's going to be the starter for Kaelan DeBoer, day one down in T-Town, and a lot of people that I've read talking about the upside and the size and the ability to make all these throws, what kind of quarterback can we expect for Alabama Keelan Russell under center?

**Alex Brink** (1:30)
Yeah, Keelan Russell is a special player. I mean, we saw it firsthand at Elite 11 He's Elite 11 MVP, kind of came not out of nowhere, but he wasn't the odds on favorite to win that competition. And certainly that's not everything, but it is a pressure cooker of a moment. And he came out and performed in a big way. And I've just kind of been waiting to hear Russell's name show up in Tuscaloosa. And so it was really no surprise for me that he ends up winning, winning this job. Obviously, you know, I know I've known Kaelin DeBoer a long time, and he's an incredible offensive mind. You put match that with the talent of a guy like Russell.
I think that could be a pretty special thing.

**Dustin Swedelson** (2:08)
You know, I love Kaelin DeBoer. He's won at every stop. Going back to NAIA, it does feel like the first two years, the fit has been off, but I don't doubt him as a coach. Do you think like everything will work out with him there in Tuscaloosa, where it's just such a pressure pack situation?
Do you think that it can ultimately be a good fit and they can contend for the SEC title again?

**Alex Brink** (2:33)
That is such a loaded question. I don't even know if you can do it. Yeah, I think it's a good fit. I mean, honestly, I do. I think, look, the macro elements to what Cailin DeBoer faces as far as what college football is, it's just so different now than say what Nick Saban faced. He is in the player movement era, it's going to be nearly impossible to establish a consistent dynastic run in college football. It's just not going to happen. And so, the key is, and you made the point, is can he find a way to compete for the SEC Championship? And I think he can, right? And I think as he continues to put his imprint on that program, he's going to find a way to make it happen. And just think about last year. I mean, early season loss that probably would have kneecapped most coaches and programs in his situation and to be able to bounce back in a big way.
I think DeBoer will be just fine. I think Keelan Russell is a special player and I do think they'll figure it out.

**Dustin Swedelson** (3:32)
Yeah, I hope he does because I think he rules as a head coach. He's good for college football. He's also one of the rational people still around in the sport, which we need. Alex Brink is our guest, USA Network College Football Analyst at Alex Brink 10 on X. Now, just a year ago, this kid was at the Elite 11 That's Faison Brandon, the quarterback for Tennessee.
Josh Hyple knows how to pick quarterbacks. He knows how to develop them.