Five true freshmen to watch in Alabama’s game vs. Eastern Illinois

Nov 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell (12) smiles as he wars up before the game with LSU at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Alabama shouldn’t run into any drama on Senior Day. The No. 10 Crimson Tide will wrap up its home slate as an overwhelming favorite when it welcomes FCS opponent Eastern Illinois to Bryant-Denny Stadium for a 1 p.m. CT kickoff on Saturday. 

Eastern Illinois is 3-8 and riding a six-game losing streak. So what is there to gain for Alabama (8-2) when playing such an overmatched opponent? 

“Really letting are young guys eat,” Alabama edge rusher LT Overton said when asked that question on Tuesday. “Going out there really being able to step up their leadership skills, being able to communicate, talk with each other. Just being able to grind out there on that field together as a young unit. We’re trying to make sure everybody’s able to get some touches.”

Saturday will serve as Senior Day for LT Overton and 15 other scholarship seniors. However, he and the rest of the Tide’s starters will likely make way for the sidelines once the game is well out of hand early in the second half. That should leave plenty of time for the Tide’s younger players to get some extended reps in the spotlight. 

With that in mind, here are five true freshmen worth keeping an eye on Saturday. 

Keelon Russell, quarterback  

Keelon Russell’s lone appearance this season came against Louisiana-Monroe when he completed 4 of 6 passes for 65 yards and a pair of touchdowns during Alabama’s 73-0 blowout victory. The five-star freshman should get another runout this weekend, along with fellow backup redshirt sophomore Austin Mack.