4-star QB Keelon Russell flips from SMU to Alabama

Duncanville (Texas) four-star quarterback Keelon Russell has flipped his commitment from SMU to Alabama.

Russell had been a member of SMU’s class since September, but became a top flip target for Kalen DeBoer and the new Crimson Tide staff this spring. He took an official visit to Tuscaloosa the weekend of May 31, and soon after the buzz grew around Alabama.

He spent considerable time with DeBoer on this visit, who made another spring impression on him.

“We had great conversations about how I could come play and do all of this,” he told BamaOnLine’s Joseph Hastings. “How the spot would be open. He likes my athleticism, my accuracy, and everything. He said I would be a perfect fit for the offense.”

His relationship with quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan has also been a key factor in the Tide’ ascension.

“Talking to my pops, talking to my mom, both telling me how does Bama treat you differently? When I got on a Zoom call with Coach (Nick) Sheridan I’m seeing a connection,” Russell told On3’s Steve Wiltfong at the On3 Elite Series. “Seeing him break down plays, seeing him break down coverages, you can feel it almost.”

Russell was Alabama’s top QB target

While DeBoer and Sheridan evaluated the likes of Julian Lewis, Deuce Knight and others, they put their full efforts into flipping Russell by making him their No. 1 target in recent months.

“Alabama has only reached out to Keelon and assures he is their guy,” Russell’s father told Wiltfong after the visit. “The brotherhood is major at Alabama. The NFL players still come back and hold the boys to a high standard. I feel the brotherhood and NFL players will not let Alabama fall.

Coming out of the visit, the Tide were “no doubt the leader” for his son.

Russell has already taken official visits to Ole Miss and SMU in the past six weeks, and technically still has trips to Florida (June 7) and Oregon (June 21) still on the docket. However, with his new commitment to the Tide, those are likely to come off the calendar altogether.

The 6-foot-3, 182-pounder is the No. 57 overall prospect and No. 8 quarterback in the 2025 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also ranks as the No. 11 prospect in the Lone Star State.

Russell told On3’s Hayes Fawcett that he will no longer take his official visits to Oregon and Florida.