- On3 has published its final rankings for the 2025 football recruiting class, with Alabama signee Keelon Russell securing the No. 2 spot nationally.
The Duncanville (Texas) standout, set to compete for the starting role this spring, ranks just behind Michigan signee and top prospect Bryce Underwood. Russell is coming off an outstanding senior season, guiding the Panthers on a deep playoff run while delivering one of the most impressive single-season passing performances in Texas history.
Originally committed to SMU, he switched to Alabama in June after the Crimson Tide ramped up their recruitment in the spring. Initially rated as a low 4-star prospect, his standout performances at offseason camps—culminating in an MVP title at the Elite 11 Finals—elevated him into the 5-star discussion.
He further solidified his status with an outstanding senior season. Over 14 games, he completed 238 of 343 passes (69.4%), amassing 4,177 yards, 55 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. His stellar performance earned him the title of Gatorade National High School Football Player of the Year.
Russell is poised to make an immediate impact. With a quarterback competition underway in Tuscaloosa, he aims to take the helm and lead the Crimson Tide as their starting quarterback next season.
Ready to Make an Immediate Impact
With a quarterback competition unfolding in Tuscaloosa, Russell is determined to lead Alabama as their starter next season.
“They want me to come and be the starting quarterback, ASAP,” Russell told BamaOnLine. “When I talked with Coach DeBoer, he was laid-back and chill, so I knew I was getting the honest truth. That stuck with me. I knew I had to lock in—no further questions.”
On3’s Scouting and Rankings team compares Russell’s style of play to former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, a top contender for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year award this season.
“Russell’s frame, arm talent, accuracy and gaudy passing production reminds us of Jayden Daniels,” his scouting report reads. “Daniels was much more productive as a run threat, eclipsing 1,500 yards on the ground as a senior in high school. We also see some similarities between Russell and CJ Stroud and Teddy Bridgewater out of high school.”
