Alabama five-star commit Keelon Russell already feels like ‘QB1’ when talking to Crimson Tide coaches

Five-star quarterback Keelon Russell's flip from SMU to Alabama's 2025 class saw him joining a cycle ranked first in the nation and stacked with multiple five-star talents. The signal-caller has already begun embracing the role of a leader for Alabama’s next season.

In "The Momentum Podcast", Russell spoke about working with Alabama offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan, and how he feels every time he talks with Alabama's staff, saying,

"They're gonna make me great with [the] talents that I have. They're gonna make me an amazing quarterback, talented quarterback... When me and Coach Sheridan, we share film. It just has a straight flow.... I feel like I be QB1 already."

However, Russell’s path to starting at Alabama may be influenced by the future of current quarterback Jalen Milroe. He finished sixth in last year’s Heisman Trophy voting and has led Alabama as a redshirt junior this season.

Milroe's performance this year could determine his NFL draft prospects, and he may opt to return to Alabama next season to develop if the feedback from the NFL advisory committee is less favorable than expected.

ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill believes another year in Alabama’s offense could benefit Milroe, saying,

“I think he really should think about if he needs to come back to Alabama and have another year in this offense where he can improve and put on tape a consistency of performance."

Milore's passing consistency has raised questions, and additional time to refine his skills could improve his draft stock.

“I think that is really important for him because he is going to turn his papers in to the NFL and I’ll be very curious whether or not they tell him, you’re a first or second rounder or you need to go back to school. Right now, I would say they would tell him to go back to school,” Luginbill added.

If Milroe opts for the NFL, Russell could have an open path to starting as Alabama's QB1. But if Milroe chooses to return for another season, Russell would likely face a competitive battle for playing time, which will be interesting.

Keelon Russell leads Duncanville to an undefeated season so far

Keelon Russell's Duncanville High School has remained undefeated at 8-0. The program's latest 50-6 win came against Mesquite on Friday.

Throughout seven games of the season, Russell has recorded 2486 passing yards and 34 passing touchdowns for no interception, while also rushing for 184 yards and one more score.

Duncanville is going to face Cedar Hill on Thursday and expect another explosive performance from Russell. Except for On3, all other recruiting channels list him as a five-star prospect. He is ranked by 247 Sports as the nation's No. 3 prospect in the 2025 class, the No. 3 quarterback, and the No. 1 recruit in Texas.