There were always going to be high expectations for Keelon Russell this spring. As a 5-star recruit who enrolled early at Alabama, Russell made the leap from high school to college ahead of schedule and it’s already paying off.
Is he expected to be the Week 1 starter against Florida State? Not quite. That spot currently belongs to Ty Simpson, who has created some separation in recent weeks. But that doesn’t mean Russell is lagging in his development. It’s easy to forget he’s just 17 he turns 18 next week and still managed to impress throughout camp. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb even said Russell surpassed expectations and drew comparisons to a former first-rounder: Michael Penix Jr.
Hearing Russell mentioned in the same breath as Penix is no small thing. Penix, though still awaiting his NFL debut, was electric at Washington under Grubb’s guidance, leading the Huskies to the national title game in 2023 before falling to Michigan. Grubb clearly has a track record with grooming talented QBs, and he sees similar potential in Russell. In the 2025 class, Russell ranked just behind Michigan’s Bryce Underwood among quarterbacks.
Russell possesses all the tools to become an All-SEC performer for Alabama, but he’ll need time to fully grasp the offense and adjust to the college game. The idea of him taking over the QB1 spot is exciting, but there’s no need to rush him. Both Grubb and head coach Kalen DeBoer understand this well. Russell’s ceiling is sky-high, and his development is only just beginning.