Keelon Russell news
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The gist
Keelon Russell threw for 256 yards in his first Alabama start, a 48-10 win.
He now faces Kentucky on the road, the first real test of his career.
Background
Russell was a former five-star recruit who originally committed to Alabama and spent the 2025 season as the third-string quarterback behind starter Ty Simpson. Simpson threw for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns that year and was later a first-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 NFL Draft. Russell has said sitting behind Simpson helped him learn the position and that he is glad he did not win the starting job as a freshman.
How it unfolded
- 2024Keelon Russell, a former five-star plus recruit, originally committed to Alabama.
- 2025 seasonRussell served as Alabama's third-string quarterback and a backup to starter Ty Simpson, who threw for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns.
- 2026 NFL DraftTy Simpson was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round.
- Sep 5, 2026Alabama beat East Carolina 48-10 in its season opener. Russell completed 17 of 29 passes for 256 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, and added 89 yards and a touchdown rushing.
- Sep 8, 2026Roll 'Bama Roll published a Jumbo Package on Russell and Alabama possibly working back to the top ten.
- Sep 10, 2026Touchdown Alabama published why Russell is happy he did not beat out Ty Simpson.
- Sep 12, 2026Greg McElroy broke down Russell's first start on SEC Nation. No. 12 Alabama (1-0) faces Kentucky (1-0) in its SEC opener at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky., at 2:30 p.m. Central on ABC.
Who’s saying what
- Analyst
- Greg McElroy said Russell has an 'unbelievable skill set' and is an effortless thrower with legs and downfield accuracy, but still needs work on the finer points of the position.
- Analyst
- McElroy said he wants to see Russell grow from a tremendous football player into a tremendous quarterback and distributor, getting the ball out on time and avoiding unnecessary hits.
- Player
- Russell said he has never had an ego, was always humble, and is glad he sat behind a top-20 draft prospect like Simpson because it made him a better quarterback.
Still unverified
Yahoo Sports reports Russell rushed for 86 yards and one touchdown against East Carolina, while al.com reports 89 yards and a touchdown rushing.