Alabama redshirt freshman QB turns heads with spring game performance
Keelon Russell was a five-star recruit in the 2025 class, and he could be in line to take over under center this fall after an electric spring game.
The Alabama Crimson Tide has potentially found its quarterback for the 2026 season. During the team's A-Day spring scrimmage on Saturday, redshirt freshman quarterback Keelon Russell caught national attention after a sensational performance. He completed 21 of 33 passes for 240 yards, throwing for four touchdowns to just one interception.
Russell, a five-star recruit in the 2025 class from Duncanville, Texas, was originally rated as a three-star prospect when he flipped his commitment from SMU to Alabama . However, he quickly rose in the rankings all the way to No. 2 nationally after winning the Elite 11 MVP, and he was ultimately named the Gatorade Football Player of the Year.
‘Bama QB Keelon Russell ( @Pres1dential ) Full A-Day Highlights 21-33, 240 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT 🎥: @ScoutFball pic. twitter. com/qvlflpFtxu — Slim (@ayeslim_) April 11, 2026 Russell's primary competition is Austin Mack, a transfer from Washington who followed Kalen DeBoer to Tuscaloosa two years ago.
Mack saw less usage in the game and struggled a bit, completing just seven of 13 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown. During his redshirt season in 2025, Russell saw action in just two games — blowouts against Louisiana-Monroe and Eastern Illinois. He attempted 15 passes, completing 11 of them for 143 yards and two touchdowns.