The Athletic ranks Keelon Russell high among expected first-year QBs

USA TODAY College Sports Wire · Jul 22, 2026 10:23 · 2 min read

Nov 22, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell (12) gets ready to take a snap during the game with Eastern Illinois at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Keelon Russell, Alabama's expected starter at quarterback entering 2026, is already drawing high praise from one SEC GM and Power 4 industry types.

For the second straight year, Alabama football will have a first-year starter at quarterback.

After Ty Simpson's lone season as Alabama's starter, either five-star freshman Keelon Russell or former four-star recruit Austin Mack will be under center when the Crimson Tide open the 2026 season against East Carolina in Week 1 on Sept. 5 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Russell certainly appears to have the inside track after his strong performance at Alabama's A-Day event in April. He completed 21 of 33 passes for 240 yards and four touchdowns while throwing one interception.

More than any scrimmage, Russell's talent and skillset are causing those around the industry to take notice.

On Tuesday, The Athletic unveiled its 2026 college football quarterback tiers for all 138 Football Bowl Subdivision signal-callers (subscription required for full access). Russell is ranked No. 33, which places him in Tier 4 of 7.

Russell, in fact, is the second-highest rated projected first-year starter in the outlet's 1-138 rankings. He's one spot below Mississippi State freshman Kamario Taylor, a four-star recruit from the class of 2025.

Sam Khan Jr. and Antonio Morales reiterated that Russell hasn't officially been named the Crimson Tide's starter but described the Duncanville, Texas, native and No. 2 QB recruit in the class of 2025 "enticing."

“He’s going to burst out onto the scene,” The Athletic quoted one Power 4 personnel director as saying.

Khan and Morales added:

"Russell, Alabama’s 2025 five-star signee, has a quick release and is accurate. His athleticism to extend plays can give opponents headaches. His only action last year was 38 combined snaps in blowout wins over Louisiana-Monroe and Eastern Illinois, but coaches and scouts inside and outside the SEC believe he has star potential. How will he handle the pressure if he wins the job in Tuscaloosa?"

"He's got a lot of ability," an SEC GM told The Athletic. "We just haven't seen it on the big stage yet."

That might be coming soon with fall camp rapidly approaching and Alabama's season opener just a month and a half away.

The Athletic describes Tier 4 quarterbacks in its preseason outlook this way:

"Some of the stars of tomorrow, like inexperienced QBs who coaches believe in but lack a proven resume, and also veterans who are looking to redeem themselves and journeymen looking to make the most of their last stops."