Crimson Tide QB Signee Ascends to Top Spot in 2025 Class

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback signee Keelon Russell saw his stock rise tremendously over the course of his recruitment. Starting out as an unknown 3-star athlete committed to SMU, he would visit Coach Kalen DeBoer’s program and the rest ended up being history as he signs as the top player in his class, according to Rivals.

Russell, the 2024 Gatorade National Player of the Year, led his Duncanville team to a 13-1 record and an appearance in the 6A Texas High School Playoff semifinals. He completed  238-of-343 passes for 4,177 yards, 55 TDs and just four interceptions as a senior.

He also tacked on an additional 321 rushing yards and three scores to become the nation’s best prospect. With over 23 offers including Ole Miss, Baylor, Florida, Ole Miss, Oregon and Texas A&M, expectations are sky high for the incoming freshman who has a chance to win a wide open Alabama quarterback race.

Rivals’ Adam Gorney was blown away by Russell’s all-around senior season including a standout performance at the Under Armour All-American game last month.

“Keelon Russell might be a carbon copy of Jayden Daniels and his performance at the Under Armour All-America Game week was outstanding, as was his senior season. So in the end, it was nearly impossible to keep Russell off the No. 1 line.

The Duncanville, Texas, quarterback has the entire makeup of a future No. 1 pick with a dynamic arm, great decision-making, impeccable touch on all levels of passes and an attitude where he’s going to go to Alabama to learn and work hard.

Coach Kalen DeBoer groomed Michael Penix Jr. into a first-round pick and the Crimson Tide should surround Russell with elite receivers. Everything has come into place for him to be dominant in Tuscaloosa.”

Alabama nearly broke the internet Sunday afternoon with DeBoer’s hiring of former Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who will call plays for the Crimson Tide next season.