Alabama QB commit named Elite 11 Finals MVP

For the second consecutive year, an Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback commitment has been named the Elite 11 Finals MVP.

On Thursday, Bama pledge Keelon Russell was named MVP of the prestigious event following a three-day-long outing in Los Angeles. Russell competed against some of the nation’s top quarterbacks in the 2025 class, including seven fellow top-10 signal callers. He showcased his skill set in 7-on-7 competition, an accuracy challenge, a Pro Day, and drill work (first day of the event).

*** BOL Round Table: Keelon Russell Elite 11 Finals MVP Discussion Thread

Russell, who flipped to Alabama from SMU in June, is going to have a chance to continue making a case for five-star status when it’s all said and done.

His performance in California this week comes after a sensational junior season in 6A classification in the state of Texas. Last season, Russell threw for 3,483 yards with 38 touchdowns and only three interceptions, while completing over 74 percent of his passes. He also added 361 yards rushing with six additional scores.

Russell will have a lot of eyes on him this upcoming season as Duncanville attempts to win yet another state championship. He’ll also get to showcase his skill set again on a national stage at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio in January.

“I’m looking to prove that I can sling it better than any quarterback here,” Russell told On3’s Max Torres after Day One of the Elite 11 Finals. “I don’t want to just say that because I’m here; I’m saying that because I have a lot of stuff still left to prove. Me being at Alabama has put some stuff on me to be one of the top quarterbacks, and now I have to come out here and prove it. I have to come out here and show who’s the real deal. I’ve got to come out here and show who’s going to be the face of Alabama the next few years.”

Russell viewed this prestigious event — whose alumni include Bryce Young, Jalen Hurts, and Tua Tagovailoa — as an opportunity to see what’s in store for him at the next level.

“I look at it as I’m not just doing it to be out here; I’m doing this for future me,” Russell continued. “Want to compete against these guys because I know I’ll see them in college. I know I’ll be competing for a Heisman Trophy and I’ll be competing for a natty trophy. All of that keys into not only today, tomorrow, and Thursday; it ties into next year, the year after next, and so on. That’s why it’s important for me.”

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Keelon Russell had a very strong performance on Day 3

BamaOnLine will have additional coverage of Russell’s performance at the Elite 11 Finals this week. 

On3’s Charles Power provided insightful analysis of Russell following his Thursday outing, where he excelled in the 7-on-7 portion of the event.

“Keelon Russell made a big statement on Day 3, turning in arguably the cleanest 7-on-7 session of the day,” Power wrote after the event. “The Alabama pledge made good decisions and diced up the defense, as we charted him on target on 19 of 25 passes (including dropped passes) for five touchdowns. Russell did a great job taking what the defense gave him and was highly effective at working underneath and over the middle of the field, delivering with velocity and accuracy. 

“The 6-foot-3, 181-pounder showed a live arm and bouncy movement skills throughout the week,” Power continued. “He was very steady on Day 1, had a solid pro day workout on Day 2 and was hyper efficient on Day 3. Similar to Deuce Knight, Russell is a prospect who has shown continual improvement over the offseason. A one-time SMU commit who recently flipped to the Crimson Tide, Russell has a well-rounded skill set and finished with a strong showing at the Elite 11 Finals.”

Russell won the event MVP over USC commit Julian Lewis (No. 2 QB), Ohio State commit Tavien St. Clair (No. 3 QB), Notre Dame commit Deuece Knight (No. 7 QB), and others.

Stay tuned to BOL for additional coverage from Russell’s Elite 11 Finals MVP win, as well as another loaded weekend of official visitors.

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