Alabama redshirt freshman QB turns heads with spring game performance

TL;DR

Alabama's redshirt freshman quarterback Keelon Russell impressed during the A-Day spring scrimmage, completing 21 of 33 passes for 240 yards and four touchdowns. Russell, a former five-star recruit, is competing for the starting position against transfer Austin Mack.

The Alabama Crimson Tide has potentially found its quarterback for the 2026 season.

During the team's A-Day spring scrimmage on Saturday, redshirt freshman quarterback Keelon Russell caught national attention after a sensational performance. He completed 21 of 33 passes for 240 yards, throwing for four touchdowns to just one interception.

Russell, a five-star recruit in the 2025 class from Duncanville, Texas, was originally rated as a three-star prospect when he flipped his commitment from SMU to Alabama. However, he quickly rose in the rankings all the way to No. 2 nationally after winning the Elite 11 MVP, and he was ultimately named the Gatorade Football Player of the Year.

Russell's primary competition is Austin Mack, a transfer from Washington who followed Kalen DeBoer to Tuscaloosa two years ago. Mack saw less usage in the game and struggled a bit, completing just seven of 13 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown.

During his redshirt season in 2025, Russell saw action in just two games — blowouts against Louisiana-Monroe and Eastern Illinois. He attempted 15 passes, completing 11 of them for 143 yards and two touchdowns.

Now, the former five-star prospect could be in line to replace Ty Simpson under center in 2026.

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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Alabama Football: Keelon Russell impresses with spring game outing

Q&A

What were Keelon Russell's stats during the Alabama spring game?

Keelon Russell completed 21 of 33 passes for 240 yards, throwing four touchdowns and one interception during the A-Day spring scrimmage.

Who is Keelon Russell's main competition for the starting quarterback position at Alabama?

Keelon Russell's primary competition for the starting quarterback position is Austin Mack, a transfer from Washington.

How did Keelon Russell's recruitment change before joining Alabama?

Keelon Russell was initially a three-star recruit who flipped his commitment from SMU to Alabama, later rising to a five-star status after winning the Elite 11 MVP and being named Gatorade Football Player of the Year.