SMU 4-star QB commit Keelon Russell emerging as top target for Alabama
Duncanville (Texas) four-star quarterback Keelon Russell remains committed to SMU, but a host of SEC programs are looking to change that. Alabama is the latest school to add to that list.
The Crimson Tide officially offered Russell last week after offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan made his way to the Lone Star State to watch the signal-caller throw. Bama is peaking the interest of the 6-foot-2.5, 185-pounder.
Currently without a quarterback committed in the 2025 cycle, the Tide is analyzing the top options under center. Russell, who has continued to rise in the On300 and On3 Industry Rankings, could be emerging as a priority for Kalen DeBoer and his staff.
“This is a guy that’s climbing a lot of program’s boards, Alabama one of them. We said that Alabama would go out this spring and see some of their favorite guys throw and offer some scholarships, Keelon Russell was the first to get that,” On3 VP of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong said on the Wiltfong Whiparound.
“I had a chance to talk to (Russell) about that opportunity. He talked about the stage that Alabama plays on, he talked about the offense and he said what they did with Michael Penix really caught his eye. This is a guy, his body-type kinda reminds you of Michael Penix when he was in high school. There’s a lot to like about Alabama from his perspective. He sees Kalen DeBoer at 104-12 as a head coach.”
Russell fielding plenty of SEC interest
Russell is now fresh off an official visit to Ole Miss. He’ll return for his official with SMU in May, and according to Alabama recruiting insider Andrew Bone, he’s set to officially visit Tuscaloosa during the weekend of May 31. An OV to Florida is currently scheduled for the following week in June, while Texas is another school looking to flip the in-stater.
“SMU stands very high for me right now,” Russell told On3 last month. “But as of right now, I am very much still open. I am still taking college visits and still talking to other coaches.”
Following On3’s latest rankings update, Russell now checks in as the No. 81 overall recruit and No. 8 QB in the 2025 On300. He’s also now the No. 78 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
“We’ve seen Keelon Russell look at some other programs, take some other visits, Alabama will be a school to watch with him moving forward as well,” Wiltfong said.