Alabama QB commit Keelon Russell is new 5-star in updated 2025 On300

With the Early Signing Period just over two weeks away, On3 has updated its recruiting rankings for the 2025 class. Duncanville (Texas) quarterback and Alabama commit Keelon Russell is the No. 3 overall prospect and a new five-star in the 2025 On300.

The latest edition of On3’s 2025 rankings features 25 five-star prospects, up six from the previous update in September. Of those 25 five-stars, 23 are committed to college programs.

The 6-foot-3.25, 182-pounder flipped his commitment to the Crimson Tide from SMU on June 4, helping kick off what was an elite summer of recruiting victories for head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff.

“One of the big things was Kalen DeBoer, the head coach. We don’t take this lightly that Keelon is his first quarterback,” Russell’s father, Brian, told BamaOnLine. “With his repertoire and his resume, Keelon being his first quarterback to lead him [means a lot].

“I think it’ll be a great situation. He’s developed Michael Penix. His offensive mentality is his mindset. Keelon will get the opportunity to get feedback from him. Coach will be in quarterback meetings. He’ll get input, and that input will be pretty much throughout the week with the gameplanning. Just growing in the offense.”

Russell is now one of three On300 five-stars in Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class, leading the way alongside offensive linemen Michael Carroll and Jackson Lloyd. The pledge list also includes offensive tackle Ty Hawyood and cornerback Dijon Lee, both of whom are five-star recruits in the On3 Industry Ranking.

Scout’s Take on Keelon Russell

On3’s Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power writes this of Russell as a prospect:

“Well-rounded quarterback prospect with dual threat ability and a battle-teste resume. Measured at 6-foot-3 ⅛, 181 pounds with a 9 ⅝-inch hand at the On3 Elite Series prior to his senior season. Grew over half an inch as a junior. At the dials of one of the most talented offenses in high school football, leading Duncanville to back-to-back state titles in Texas highest classification as a sophomore and junior. Highly effective and efficient as a distributor. A good decision-maker who runs Duncanville’s offense at a high level. One of the most efficient quarterbacks in the 2025 cycle, completing 74.1% of his passes for 3,267 yards and 35 touchdowns against 3 interceptions over 15 games as a junior. Also rushed for 304 yards and 4 touchdowns.

…Shows good zip on his passes, particularly in the short and intermediate areas of the field. Shows the ability to step up in the pocket to avoid pressure. Good athlete as a runner. More dangerous as a rushing threat than his production would indicate. Effective as a scrambler and has a good feel for when to tuck it and run. Processes the game well and plays quickly mentally. Competitive and plays well in big moments. Should not have as big of an adjustment to the speed of the game as some of his peers, given his battle-tested resume. At his best when delivering from a set platform.”