Keelon Russell Isn’t Going Anywhere - Alabama’s Young QB Is Locked In and Learning
LOS ANGELES - In an era where quarterbacks changing schools has almost become the norm, Keelon Russell is staying put. The Alabama freshman isn’t interested in the transfer portal, isn’t chasing quick starts or greener pastures. He’s focused on one thing: development - and eventually, dominance.
“Tuscaloosa is my home,” Russell said, with the kind of clarity that doesn’t leave much room for second-guessing. “I’m 100% locked in.”
That’s not just talk. As Alabama gears up for a massive College Football Playoff showdown in the Rose Bowl, Russell remains fully engaged in the moment - even if he’s not the one taking the snaps. Ty Simpson has held down the starting job all season, and while Russell has seen limited action, he’s made the most of it when called upon.
In two appearances, the former five-star prospect has completed 11 of 15 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns - clean, efficient, and mistake-free. He’s sharing backup duties with redshirt sophomore Austin Mack, who’s logged slightly more snaps, but Russell isn’t sweating the depth chart.
“I’m worried about the Rose Bowl,” he said. “Going out there and doing my thing, helping out Ty. I’m just worried about the next steps in my journey this year.”
And it has been a journey - one that’s tested his patience more than his arm.
Russell came in with the kind of hype that usually leads to early playing time. But instead of being thrust into the spotlight, he’s had to watch from the sideline as other true freshmen like Dijon Lee and Lotzeir Brooks made instant impacts.
That could’ve been frustrating. For Russell, it’s been fuel.
“I’m so proud of those dudes,” he said. “But coming in as a freshman, sitting behind Ty that first year - I feel like it’s not gonna hurt you.”
He’s leaning into the long game, and he’s got the right people in his corner. Mack, who transferred from Washington, has reminded Russell what it looked like to learn behind a veteran like Michael Penix Jr. There’s value in waiting, in watching, in absorbing the system before taking over.
“Learning, learning, learning,” Russell said. “Being developed is the biggest thing I came to college for.
I came to Alabama to be developed. So having that learning experience is the best thing, and that comes from patience.”
That kind of mindset is rare these days. With the transfer portal wide open and outside voices constantly chirping - from agents to coaches to media - it’s easy for young players to get distracted. But Russell’s keeping his blinders on.
“I kind of really block it out,” he said. “I came to win national championships.
You know what I’m saying? We got a Rose Bowl coming up.
So I don’t really worry about all those aspects. My time’s gonna come.
And I believe that for sure.”
He’s not just saying it - he believes it. And he’s already visualizing what that moment will look like.
“I told Ty the other day, I said, ‘When my time comes, you’re gonna see me having a Heisman Trophy and I’m gonna invite you, man.’ Like this is gonna be a blessing. My time is gonna come.”
That confidence isn’t manufactured. It’s built on the foundation laid by Alabama’s coaching staff - head coach Kalen DeBoer, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan - who’ve all played a role in getting Russell ready for when his number is called.
“They’ve done a good job preparing me so that way I’m ready when I step foot on that field,” Russell said.
And if that time comes sooner than expected - say, if Simpson declares for the NFL Draft - Russell says he’s more than ready to take the reins.
“Man, I’m always ready,” he said. “I know for a fact - I learned the playbook 100%.
I feel very comfortable with everything that’s going on. Coach throws me in today or tomorrow, anytime, I feel like I’m gonna do nothing but just go out there and ball.”
For now, he’s focused on the Rose Bowl and doing whatever it takes to help Alabama keep its championship dreams alive. But make no mistake: Keelon Russell isn’t just waiting - he’s preparing. And when the moment comes, he plans to make it count.