Alabama excited to have ‘physical presence’ of linebacker back against Auburn

Nov 22, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Eastern Illinois quarterback Cole LaCrue (3) is tackled by Alabama linebacker Qua Russaw (4) and Alabama defensive back Bray Hubbard (18) at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Alabama football got Qua Russaw back on the field against Eastern Illinois after he missed a significant portion of the season with a foot injury.

Russaw was a game-time decision two weeks ago when the Crimson Tide took on Oklahoma. He did not play against the Sooners, but he appeared to be full go a week later against Eastern Illinois on Saturday. He finished the game with two tackles.

Alabama’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack gave his thoughts on how Russaw played on Monday.

“It was great to get him out there on the field,” Wommack said. “He has pushed himself in practice, and it’s paying off. He’s just getting better and better, day in and day out. We feel like the steps that he took last week got him in position to go play. We just feel like that we can continue to add to his pitch count as we go here in the season. I feel like he’s in a really good spot. Qua is a very physical presence. You think about some of the physicality that it’s going to take for us to be successful on Saturday, and he’s certainly a piece of the equation.”

Kalen DeBoer shared his excitement to have the former five-star back during his opening statement on Monday.

“That was something that we’ve been working towards,” DeBoer said. “Really happy for him, happy for us.”

Alabama’s defense and Russaw are preparing to go on the road and face an Auburn team, who is playing for an opportunity to become bowl eligible and spoil the Tide’s season.