CFB expert expects top incoming QB recruit to save Kaleb DeBoer's legacy at Alabama
The 2025 college football season has to go smoother for Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer than his first campaign went. The Crimson Tide knew there'd be an adjustment going from Nick Saban to DeBoer, but finishing 9-4 and producing a struggling offense wasn't accounted for. Jalen Milroe is off to the NFL, so DeBoer will […]
The 2025 college football season has to go smoother for Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer than his first campaign went. The Crimson Tide knew there'd be an adjustment going from Nick Saban to DeBoer, but finishing 9-4 and producing a struggling offense wasn't accounted for. Jalen Milroe is off to the NFL, so DeBoer will rebuild this offense.
Bleacher Report CFB analyst Brad Shepard believes incoming 5-star quarterback Keelon Russell is part of the answer. He ranked the top 10 incoming freshmen who will make a splash right away, and Russell was prominently featured.
We previously dove into the Alabama quarterback room to see who could start in 2025, and Russell would be a bit of a surprising Week 1 starter. Nevertheless, it's likely only a matter of time before Russell earns the job.
What Alabama and Kalen DeBoer can do at quarterback after Jalen Milroe's NFL Draft decision
Jalen Milroe is off to the 2025 NFL Draft as expected, wasting little time in announcing his decision after Alabama's shocking loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide likely aren't surprised, even considering Milroe's struggles throughout 2024. His decision seemed to come down to transferring or declaring for the […]
Here's what Shepard had to say about Russell's outlook:
Russell flipped his commitment from nearby SMU to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide and be the "next big thing" under center for coach Kalen DeBoer as he tries to build his program in Title Town.
Russell is the perfect quarterback to run his system. And while many think Ty Simpson will be the starter, don't be so sure. Jalen Milroe was a dynamic talent, but it was a square-peg, round-hole fit with DeBoer's offense.
Even so, neither Simpson nor Austin Mack ever could wrestle snaps away from Milroe, so what makes you think DeBoer is married to playing either one of them in 2025? Russell already is on campus and will know the offense by the time the season rolls around.
The second-ranked overall prospect in the nation is a superb athlete, standing 6'3", 175 pounds and drawing comparisons to Washington Commanders phenom and former LSU (and Arizona State) starting quarterback Jayden Daniels. He can beat teams with his legs and has precision accuracy, as well.
Despite needing to add weight and strength, Russell is the most college-ready quarterback in the class and has all the tools to be great right away.
