Ad Disclosure
ESPN names Keelon Russell amongst ‘freshmen to watch’ during 2025 season
Published:
Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell was highlighted in a recent ESPN story as part of a preview for the 2025 season.
ESPN published a wide-ranging story earlier this week detailing some of the sport’s top storylines, contenders, Heisman Trophy candidates and much more. But the preview also touched on some highly-touted true freshmen who could make an impact on the 2025 campaign.
That’s where Russell comes in, as he’s currently in the middle of a QB battle in Tuscaloosa alongside Ty Simpson and Austin Mack. Both Simpson and Mack have spent multiple years in college football, but neither has a tremendous amount of in-game experience. It’s possible Russell will factor into Alabama’s offense as early as this fall depending on how the competition shakes out in fall camp.
Russell earned the No. 2 spot on ESPN’s list of potential impact freshmen, slotting in behind only Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood. Here’s some analysis on Russell from ESPN’s Eli Lederman:
A dynamic playmaker from Duncanville, Texas, Russell dominated one of the nation’s top high school classifications en route to Gatorade National Player of the Year honors in 2024. Similar to Bryce Underwood, Russell — a former SMU pledge — steps into an uncertain quarterback situation behind Ty Simpson and Austin Mack this fall. Whether it’s 2025 or beyond, Russell will get a shot to start for the Crimson Tide sooner rather than later.
Kalen DeBoer told reporters earlier this spring that Simpson is the current leader for the starting job, but he was not ready to name a starter.
RELATED: Looking join Underdog Fantasy? Here’s an Underdog Fantasy promo code to help you get started with up to $1,000 in bonus cash when you join!
In addition to winning Gatorade National Player of the Year, Russell was the No. 2 overall prospect in the country for the class of 2025, per 247Sports Composite rankings. The 5-star prospect is from Duncanville, Texas.
Alabama is set to face Florida State to open the 2025 regular season on Aug. 30.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
