"Nick Saban gone my boy": CFB Fans react to 5-star QB Keelon Russell calling Alabama an "aura-based program"

Alabama five-star quarterback signee Keelon Russell has revealed his reason for flipping to the Tide from SMU. He made the revelation while speaking to ESPN’s Phil Murphy on Friday.

Murphy asked Russell at what moment he realized he had to choose Alabama. The 17-year-old responded:

“Like I tell everybody, when you walk in, you look to the right you see millions of rings. You look to the left you see millions of trophies. It’s like a aura based program that you step into and you know it’s it.”

Russell's statement caused fans all over the internet to react in different ways.

A fan on Instagram, Mr_september12 wrote:

“News flash Nick Saban gone my boy…DeBoer ain’t bringing no rings/trophies to Bama.”

Many other fans seem to share this view. One fan wrote:

“Aura based program is hilarious.”

Another fan wrote:

“So much for aura.”

However, other fans didn’t disagree with Russell’s characterization of Alabama as an aura-based program.

A fan wrote:

“What difference you gone set exactly? Not breaking no records or nothing.”

Another fan challenged Russell to keep the standard of the program up, commenting:

“Keep the standard up so those who come after follow.”

Reactions to Keelon Russell's comment on Alabama

Keelon Russell’s injury scare and sideline report

Keelon Russell played in the Under Armour All-America Game on Thursday at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand, Florida. The five-star quarterback abandoned the game in the third quarter after he suffered an ankle injury following a hard hit.

However, subsequent sideline reports indicated little cause for concern as the Alabama signee was deemed fine, although he didn’t return to the game. A serious injury to their star signee was the last thing the Tide needed after ending 2024 on a poor note. Alabama lost the ReliaQuest Bowl to Michigan 19-13, finishing the season 9-4 overall.

Keelon Russell’s arrival became even more important for the Tide following Jalen Milroe’s announcement on Thursday that he would be entering the NFL Draft. Russell was the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2025 class per 247Sports Composite Rankings. He concluded his terrific high school career with the 2024 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year award.