Five-star quarterback Keelon Russell is one of the highest-rated prospects in Alabama's 2025 class. A standout from Duncanville High School in Texas, the signal-caller is also widely regarded as one of the best players from the Lone Star State.
Russell's performances have drawn comparisons to another legendary Texas quarterback, Kyler Murray, who made his mark at Allen High School before being selected first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
The comparison between Russell and Murray surfaced recently on social media when MaxPreps shared a side-by-side stat breakdown on Instagram.
Russell boasts an impressive 33-1 record in high school football. He has thrown for 7,962 passing yards and 80 passing touchdowns, adding 665 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. These stats were shared ahead of Duncanville's big game against DeSoto on Friday.
Meanwhile, Murray’s high school career remains the gold standard. Murray finished his time at Allen High School with a flawless 42-0 record, throwing for 10,386 passing yards and 117 passing touchdowns. His dual-threat ability was unmatched, rushing for 4,139 yards and an astounding 69 rushing touchdowns. Murray led his team to three state titles.
Many fans took to the comments section to express their disagreement with the comparison.
"What how is this even a comparison. Keelon is no where near Kyler Murray's level in highschool," a fan wrote.
"this might be the worst "comparison" I've ever seen," one wrote.
Some fans also criticized the media outlet for the comparison, feeling that Russell was unfairly placed under the shadow of a player as dominant as Murray.
"Why would you embarrass bro like this? Kyler wayyyyyyy different,"one wrote.
"kyler the greatest football player i've ever seen play IN person," one wrote.
"No one will ever compare to Kyler's HS career stop trying lol," one wrote.
However, Russell himself isn’t backing down from the comparisons. In response to the post, he confidently wrote:
“Just wait for that total."
Greg Tepper, managing editor of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, declared in 2015 that Kyler Murray is unequivocally the best high school football player in Texas history. Texas alum Johnathan Gray is also considered one of the best players in that area, who rushed for 3,891 yards and 65 touchdowns in his senior season.
Russell still has work to do to reach that level, but his early success is undeniable. Alongside other Texas high school football legends like Dez Bryant, Earl Campbell and Robert Griffin III, Russell is carving out his own legacy.
Keelon Russell shines in Duncanville's match against DeSoto
Keelon Russell continues to dominate in his junior season, leading Duncanville to an undefeated record. The Panthers started the season with a 34-12 win against South Oak Cliff on Sept. 6 and secured their latest 42-20 win against DeSoto on Friday.
Russell entered Friday's game with 1,437 yards and 20 touchdowns. Against DeSoto, he completed 27 of 36 passes for 427 yards and six touchdowns.
Keelon Russell is ranked by Rivals as the No. 10 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2025 class and the No. 3 recruit in Texas. Up next, the Panthers will face Lancaster on Oct. 18, looking to extend their winning streak.