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The Alabama Crimson Tide are still evaluating their quarterback options. It's become a highly competitive competition, with redshirt junior Austin Mack and redshirt freshman Keelon Russell each striving to be the starter.
With the Crimson Tide set to open up the season on Sept. 5 against the East Carolina Pirates, a decision may not be far away. On3's Pete Nakos predicts that Russell will earn the starting role.
No matter who does, though, wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams will likely be a trusted target for either. Over the past two seasons, he has accumulated 97 receptions for 1,554 yards and 12 touchdowns.
While the decision is ultimately up to Kalen DeBoer and the rest of his coaching staff, it's clear that Russell has made a strong impression on the wide receiver. While speaking to On3's J.D. Pickell at SEC Media Days on Wednesday, Coleman-Williams praised the signal-caller.
“Keelon, he’s just a guy, you know, he has some God-given talent, you know,” Coleman-Williams said. “Coming out of high school, you know, the No. 1 player in the country, obviously, but what stood out the most to me is, you know, every single day he comes to work like, you know, that wasn’t the case, like he’s an underdog.”
Coming out of high school, in the 2025 cycle, Russell was a highly sought-after recruit. He was a five-star prospect, the No. 2 quarterback and the No. 2 player in the nation, according to Rivals Industry Rankings.
During his two years at the varsity level at Duncanville High School, he threw for 7,444 yards, 90 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He was also a threat on the ground, rushing for 625 yards and seven touchdowns.
Russell's path to winning the starting job is far from over, but his approach has earned the respect of his teammates, including Coleman-Williams. As Alabama continues to prepare for the season, he will look to separate himself in the competition.
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