Alabama football’s freshman quarterback, Keelon Russell is officially returning to the Crimson Tide, according to Alabama NIL initiative Yea Alabama.
🚨BREAKING: QB Keelon Russell will be returning to Alabama for the 2026 season.https://t.co/26q4BP8mR3 pic.twitter.com/Zi6jWnfNTh
![]()
— Yea Alabama (@yea_ala) January 9, 2026
Russell signed with the Crimson Tide as a five-star recruit out of Duncanville High School in Texas. He played in two games as a freshman quarterback in 2025. He completed 11 of his 15 passing attempts for 143 yards and two touchdowns.
The former five-star is expected to be in the running to be the Tide’s starting quarterback in 2026 alongside Austin Mack, Jett Thomalla and Tayden Kaawa.

