"I'm a game changer": 5-star Alabama signee Keelon Russell exudes confidence going into his freshman season for the Crimson Tide

Alabama’s five-star quarterback signee, Keelon Russell, has expressed confidence in his game-changing ability during a chat with digital content creator Jared Martino in an Instagram reel posted on Saturday. Martino asked how Russell would describe his style of play. He said:

“I’m confident. I’m a confident quarterback. I’m a game changer. When it comes down to that two minutes in the fourth quarter and we’re down to something, oh yeah, we’re gonna make a play.”

Keelon Russell and the state of Alabama’s quarterback room

Keelon Russell headlined Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class. The five-star quarterback from Duncanville High School in Duncanville, Texas, was the No. 2 overall recruit of the class per 247Sports. His recruitment was important for Kalen DeBoer's staff as the need for a Jalen Milroe replacement became more glaring.

Milroe declared for the NFL draft on Thursday following the ReliaQuest Bowl loss to the Michigan Wolverines. With his departure, Alabama's starting quarterback role is open, and Russell is being projected to get the job despite coming in as a true freshman.

The standout quarterback won't be handed the job on a platter. The 17-year-old still has to impress during the spring and summer practices. He also has to compete with Ty Simpson and Austin Mack, both of whom are relatively more experienced than him in college football.

Simpson is the most experienced of the trio, getting set to enter his redshirt junior season. He was a five-star prospect out of high school and has an edge over the other two based on his experience. He served as Milroe’s primary backup for two seasons, completing 29 of 50 pass attempts for 381 yards. He has also rushed for 130 yards and three touchdowns.

On the other hand, Mack was a four-star prospect out of high school before transferring to Alabama from Washington ahead of the 2024 season. The redshirt freshman’s experience dwarfs in comparison to Simpson’s, with just two-of-three pass completions for 39 yards and a touchdown last fall.

Keelon Russell gave Alabama fans a bit of a scare when he left the Under Armour All-America game with an injury. However, he was ready to return to the game in no time, reducing concerns. He was not put back in the game to prevent further risks to his fitness ahead of spring practice.