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Alabama freshman QB Keelon Russell throws first career touchdown pass

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh09/07/25griffin_mcveigh
Alabama QB Keelon Russell
Alabama QB Keelon Russell (Gary Cosby Jr. / Imagn Images)

Alabama fans are getting a good look at the program’s future. It’s one they have been waiting on for quite some time. Keelon Russell is in at quarterback and already producing points. Yes, Louisiana-Monroe is the opponent but Russell is playing in a college football game for the first time.

Looking at a 3rd and 9, Russell dropped back before facing some pressure. Forced the step up, he retreated for a second before finding Cole Adams wide open inside the 10-yard line. Nobody was around him and the wide receiver walked in for a touchdown.

The play itself is insignificant when discussing the game’s outcome. But Russell will surely remember this moment for a long, long time. Everyone in Tuscaloosa is hoping this is the first of many for the freshman quarterback. You can watch the entire play here.

Russell played high school football at Duncanville (TX), where he was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect. He was the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2025 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer received a ton of credit for the evaluation of Russell. He ended up being one of the highest-rated recruits in the class due to an elite senior season. But when Russell decided to commit to Alabama, he flipped over from the SMU Mustangs. Rhett Lashlee attempted to hold onto the local product, giving it his best shot.

From there, the ascension began for Russell. Duncanville is one of the best high school programs in the country, with talent all over the field. Russell’s top target was a fellow Five-Star Plus+ prospect, current Oregon wide receiver Dakorien Moore.

Russell wants to find the same kind of success moving forward at Alabama. Maybe not this season, as Ty Simpson appears to have the job locked down for the Crimson Tide. Even Austin Mack got into the game before Russell, signaling where the depth chart currently stands.

People believe the time is coming for Russell, though. The talent is just too much to deny with all the potential in the world. Development will be key as the season moves along before the lights are eventually turned on for the quarterback full-time.

A touchdown pass most likely rewards what has been a ton of hard work on the practice field. You can see how happy Russell’s teammates are for him as well.