"I'm coming in to win a national championship": Five-star Alabama QB signee Keelon Russell's bold aspiration for Crimson Tide

Alabama will seek its 17th consecutive 10-win season on Dec. 31 in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan. Meanwhile, one of its most exciting future players, quarterback Keelon Russell, is preparing himself to make his mark in Tuscaloosa.

The signal-caller from Texas wrapped up a stellar senior season by throwing for 4,177 yards, 55 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Now, he looks ahead to the next chapter.

"I'm coming in to win a national championship," Russell told On3.

Russell would join Alabama team activities in January. His father revealed how natural the decision felt for the family, saying:

"It was an easy decision for him because everybody was like 'you are QB1,' and he felt very wanted … They are going to prepare him for the NFL mindset."

Jalen Milroe’s likely NFL departure could open the door for competition, but Russell will face a crowded quarterback room that also includes Ty Simpson and Austin Mack.

Alabama GM praises Keelon Russell

Initially a four-star SMU commit, Keelon Russell flipped to Alabama after a phenomenal senior season that boosted his status as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, according to ESPN and Rivals.

Alabama’s pursuit of Russell began in early spring. General manager Courtney Morgan revealed that the program first noticed him in March/April, eventually sending wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard as well as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan to evaluate him in person. They walked away like, “No-brainer."

"The thing about Keelon, when you look at it, it’s not just his arm and his ability, which he’s had. He’s as talented as anyone in the country," Morgan told Tuscaloosa News. "He’s a winner. He’s a leader. And he’s been around alphas. He’s an alpha."

Earlier this month, Keelon Russell was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Texas. On Friday, he secured the Maxwell National High School Player of the Year. This puts him in elite company, as former winners include Alabama legends Bryce Young and Derrick Henry.