SportDraft
Alabama settles on sophomore Keelon Russell as starting quarterback
The Crimson Tide have named the former five-star recruit their starter for the 2025 season, ending a competition with senior Austin Mack.
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Event
Keelon Russell Named Alabama's Starting Quarterback
Alabama has named Keelon Russell the starting quarterback for their 5 September season opener against East Carolina. Russell, a sophomore and former five-star recruit, won the starting battle over senior Austin Mack to replace Ty Simpson, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams. The Crimson Tide, ranked 13th in the preseason, aim to return to the College Football Playoff after finishing ninth in the AP poll in 2025.
2 published stories · alabama-crimson-tide · source reliability 67%
Background
Why this event matters
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer has concluded the quarterback competition, naming sophomore Keelon Russell the starter for the 2025 season. Russell, a former five-star recruit from Duncanville High School in Texas, secured the position over senior Austin Mack. This decision follows the departure of Ty Simpson, who was drafted 13th overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the NFL Draft. The Crimson Tide, currently ranked 13th in the preseason, are aiming to return to the College Football Playoff after finishing ninth in the AP poll in 2025.
event-brief
Keelon Russell Named Alabama's Starting Quarterback
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer has concluded the quarterback competition, naming sophomore Keelon Russell the starter for the 2025 season. Russell, a former five-star recruit from Duncanville High School in Texas, secured the position over senior Austin Mack. This d
Reporting trail
ESPN | https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/49692021/sources-alabama-names-keelon-russell-qb1-opener-vs-ecu | published 2026-08-22T17:03:53.000Z | primary sourceESPN | Primary source for the breaking news and player statistics.Fox Sports | Corroborates the conclusion of the quarterback competition by head coach Kalen DeBoer.Fox Sports | https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/keelon-russell-wins-alabama-starting-qb-battle | published 2026-08-22T15:30:33.000Z | primary source
Fact cards
entity brief
Keelon Russell Named Alabama's Starting Quarterback: key people and institutions
Key entities: Keelon Russell, Alabama Crimson Tide, East Carolina, Austin Mack, Ty Simpson, Pete Thamel, ESPN.
faq brief
Keelon Russell Named Alabama's Starting Quarterback: key questions
Who is the starting quarterback for Alabama in 2025? Keelon Russell, a sophomore and former five-star recruit. Who did Keelon Russell beat in the quarterback competition? Senior Austin Mack. Why did Alabama need a new starting quarterback? Ty Simpson, the previous starter, was dr
source brief
Keelon Russell Named Alabama's Starting Quarterback: reporting sources
ESPN | https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/49692021/sources-alabama-names-keelon-russell-qb1-opener-vs-ecu | published 2026-08-22T17:03:53.000Z | primary source | ESPN | Primary source for the breaking news and player statistics. | Fox Sports | Corroborates the concl
timeline brief
Keelon Russell Named Alabama's Starting Quarterback: timeline
2025-05-10: Ty Simpson drafted 13th overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL Draft. 2025-08-22: ESPN reports that Alabama has named Keelon Russell the starting quarterback for the season opener. 2025-09-05: Alabama Crimson Tide season opener against East Carolina.
Timeline
2025-05-10
Ty Simpson drafted 13th overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL Draft.
2025-08-22
ESPN reports that Alabama has named Keelon Russell the starting quarterback for the season opener.
2025-09-05
Alabama Crimson Tide season opener against East Carolina.
FAQ
Who is the starting quarterback for Alabama in 2025?
Keelon Russell, a sophomore and former five-star recruit.
Who did Keelon Russell beat in the quarterback competition?
Senior Austin Mack.
Why did Alabama need a new starting quarterback?
Ty Simpson, the previous starter, was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams.
When is Alabama's season opener?
5 September against East Carolina.
Who is Alabama’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season?
Keelon Russell.
When is Alabama’s season opener?
5 September against East Carolina.
What was Keelon Russell’s performance in the spring game?
He threw for 240 yards and four touchdowns.