BREAKING: Alabama freshman QB returning to Alabama for 2026 season

Justin Smith

7 months ago

Sep 6, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell (12) drops back to pass against UL Monroe at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated UL Monroe 73-0. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

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.

Justin Smith( Managing Editor, Director of Recruiting )

Justin Smith is the Managing Editor and Lead Writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine with over 10 years of writing experience & expertise. Smith has consistently delivered high quality, extensively researched information on the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide football team that fans can trust. Smith is official credentialed media with the University of Alabama under Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He is also the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Enterprises, specializing in scouting and analyzing high school recruits around the nation, specifically focusing on recruits within the state of Alabama.