Keelon Russell’s Patience, Preparation, and Quiet Rise Inside Alabama’s Quarterback Room
LOS ANGELES - At a program like Alabama, where the expectations are sky-high and the quarterback position is always under the microscope, it’s easy for young players to get lost in the shuffle. But Keelon Russell isn’t just waiting his turn-he’s building toward it, one rep, one meeting, one day at a time.
That “stacking days” mantra? It’s not just a motivational catchphrase for Russell. It’s how he’s approaching his freshman season in Tuscaloosa-methodically, deliberately, and with a clear eye on the future.
Russell saw the field in limited action this year, working primarily with the second- and third-team offense. But make no mistake: this wasn’t a redshirt year lost in the shadows. It was a season of growth, of learning, and most importantly, of earning trust within one of the most competitive quarterback rooms in college football.
And Russell has been soaking up everything he can.
He’s learning from Ty Simpson, who he calls “the best quarterback in college football,” and from Austin Mack, another talented arm in Alabama’s deep QB stable. More than that, he’s studying under offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan-two minds who’ve helped shape some of the most dynamic offenses in the country in recent years.
“I’m most definitely OK with waiting my turn,” Russell said. “I mean, we’re here right now.
I have been waiting my turn. I wouldn’t say there’s no pressure.
If I was to get thrown in there, I’d be ready.”
That last line says a lot. Russell isn’t just biding his time-he’s preparing for the moment when his number is called. And based on what he’s shown so far, that moment might not be too far off.
In limited game action against Louisiana Monroe and Eastern Illinois, Russell completed 11 of 15 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Small sample size?
Sure. But the poise, accuracy, and command he displayed in those snaps didn’t go unnoticed.
What’s more important is what’s happening behind the scenes. Russell believes in the process.
He believes in the coaching staff. And perhaps most importantly, he believes in himself.
“I feel like coach Grubb and coach Sheridan 100% believe in me. Even coach DeBoer believes in me,” Russell said.
That belief-mutual and growing-could be crucial heading into what may be a pivotal offseason. With Simpson potentially weighing an NFL Draft decision, the door could open for a quarterback competition in 2026. And if that happens, Russell’s mindset is already locked in.
“Just to work hard,” he said. “I have a spot to earn, but just to keep working hard.
… We’re working on winning a national championship right now, but my mindset is to keep working hard every day, wake up with the motivation to go at and attack another day. If it’s a practice, if it’s a game, just go attack it.”
That kind of mentality fits right into the culture Alabama is trying to maintain under Kalen DeBoer. It’s not just about talent-which Russell has in spades-it’s about consistency, preparation, and earning every snap.
Russell isn’t rushing the process. He’s embracing it. And in a program where patience often pays off in big ways, that could be the most important trait of all.
For now, Alabama’s focus is squarely on the College Football Playoff quarterfinal, where they’ll face Indiana in the 2026 Rose Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 1. But don’t be surprised if, somewhere down the line, Keelon Russell’s name starts climbing the depth chart-and fast.
Because while others may be watching the games, Russell is watching the details. And he’s stacking days like a future starter who knows exactly where he’s headed.