"Lol I surely hope that’s not his expectations": Fans react to five-star Alabama signee Keelon Russell's hopes for QB1 spot

One of the headliners of the 2025 class is five-star quarterback Keelon Russell. The Alabama signee believes he can come in and compete for the starting quarterback spot on Kalen DeBoer's team immediately.

“What jumps to me is the fact they want me to come and be the starting quarterback ASAP," Russell told On3's Chad Simmons. “Like I talk to Coach DeBoer, while I was in his office, laid-back, chill, I knew I was getting the honest truth out of him."

Russell’s confidence comes at a disappointing moment for Alabama, which finished the season at 9-4 after a 19-13 loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Tuesday.

Alabama’s quarterback situation heading into the next season is anything but settled. Jalen Milroe, who started much of the 2024 season, showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency.

Backup Ty Simpson is the most experienced returning option, while younger players like Austin Mack have yet to prove themselves. Beyond these scholarship quarterbacks, Alabama has two walk-ons, Cade Carruth and John Cooper.

However, not everyone shares Russell’s optimism, and some fans have expressed skepticism about his ability to secure the starting job as a true freshman.

"lol I surely hope that’s not his expectations because if it doesn’t happen then he’ll probably transfer," a fan wrote.

"Zero chance," one wrote.

"I really hope not, would like for him to sit and learn for a year. If he comes in and starts as a freshman then we are going to lose 4-5 games with our schedule," another wrote.

Still, Keelon Russell’s high school accolades are hard to ignore. As the Gatorade Football Player of the Year and Maxwell National High School Player of the Year, he is ranked as the No. 2 recruit overall by On3’s Composite Rankings.

"If he's given a fair try without entitlement to those who stayed then I believe he'll be QB1," one fan wrote.

"Please let Alabama start a true Freshman," another posted.

"Yep and I’m looking forward to the change cuz we definitely need a spark 💯," one wrote.

However, Alabama’s offensive struggles in the ReliaQuest Bowl prove the challenges Russell will face. The Crimson Tide's first four possessions resulted in turnovers, giving the Wolverines 16 early points. For Keelon Russell to claim the starting role and succeed, he will need to bring immediate leadership and efficiency to an offense desperate for consistency.

Keelon Russell reveals snubbing big deals to stay true to Alabama

Keelon Russell has been excelling at the Under Armour All-American Game, but he also dropped a bomb on media day, saying that Colorado, LSU and Texas made a push to steal him from Alabama.

“They had the best offer in my heart,” Russell told On3. “I ain’t really worried about the money man. I’m here to ball. I’m here to play ball… There were some offers thrown out at me obviously being one of the top-ranked quarterbacks you’re going to get some money within that."

Keelon Russell initially committed to SMU ahead of his junior season before flipping to Alabama in June. The Crimson Tide will officially get the signal-caller on campus this month.