"If I do my thing it’s going to come regardless": Keelon Russell opens up about sticking with Crimson Tide despite NIL money 'thrown around' for him

Keelon Russell, a standout quarterback from Duncanville, Texas, faced significant pressure to reconsider his commitment to Alabama before officially signing with the Crimson Tide.

As the No. 2 quarterback in the 2025 class, Keelon Russell attracted late interest from Texas, LSU and Colorado, each offering lucrative NIL packages to sway his decision.

Despite nearly visiting LSU and Colorado during the recruiting process, Russell remained firm in his choice, citing his respect for Alabama’s unwavering belief in him.

“I respected them for that," Russell told On3. "Alabama came to one of my worst practices as a quarterback. I was off that day. And for them to still give me a chance to be their quarterback and saw something in me, I was like, ‘Man, this is crazy.'”

Russell emphasized the importance of long-term value over immediate financial gain, rejecting the idea of chasing quick NIL money.

“If you get paid $1 million and then go stink it up in college, no booster is going to want to pay to see you play.

"You might get benched and your career is over, so I think about, if a school offered me $250K right now and the next three years I dominate and win the Heisman and stuff, then you can be worth $5 million and get to the pros. … I know that if I do my thing, it’s going to come regardless.”

The Gatorade National Football Player of the Year posted staggering stats in his junior season, throwing for 4,177 yards, 55 touchdowns and just five interceptions with a 69.4% completion rate.

Keelon Russell’s bold move to Alabama football

Originally pledged to SMU, Duncanville High School star Keelon Russell delivered an exceptional junior season, leading his team to a second consecutive Class 6A-D1 state championship in 2023.

With eye-popping stats and a reputation as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, Russell turned heads in June by flipping his commitment to Alabama. He thus became the first quarterback recruit of the Kalen DeBoer era.

Leaving SMU was no easy decision for Russell, as he explained:

“It kind of opens up your eyes a little bit. It was like, ‘Whoa, I can go play in the SEC,’ which I’ve always dreamed of.”

Keelon Russell recalled how DeBoer first reached out via social media, coinciding with rumors about him joining Alabama. Russell speculated that either Washington, where DeBoer was coaching, or Alabama wanted him. Both options were thrilling.

“All I thought of was, ‘Michael Penix — oh snap. OK, cool,’” Russell said. “I was like, ‘Oh, this is gonna be fresh.’ Especially after what he did with Michael Penix. It was just amazing.

"He always tells me, ‘You’re so similar to Michael Penix, you throw the ball amazing, you throw it very accurately,’ and I’m just like, ‘If you do that with me, I most definitely will get you that first-round and first overall (NFL Draft) pick.’”

Ranked as a Five Star Plus+ recruit and the No. 2 player in the 2025 class by On3’s Industry Ranking, Russell signed with Alabama on National Signing Day and will enroll early. Fans can catch him at the Under Armour Next All-America Game on Jan. 2.