Alabama’s Russell climbs to fifth in CBS Sports rankings ahead of Mississippi State clash
Keelon Russell jumped 13 places after a nine-touchdown run, while Mississippi State’s Kamario Taylor moved to third ahead of Saturday’s SEC meeting.
CBS Sports has lifted Alabama sophomore Keelon Russell to fifth in its quarterback power rankings, up from 18th, ahead of the Crimson Tide’s Saturday visit to Mississippi State. The outlet also moved Bulldogs sophomore Kamario Taylor from fourth to third.
Russell combined for nine touchdowns in Alabama’s wins over Florida State and South Carolina across the past two weeks. He threw four touchdown passes in the first half against South Carolina, as Alabama scored 99 points across the two victories.
CBS Sports cited Taylor’s career-high 360 passing yards in Mississippi State’s 31–24 win over Missouri. The outlet also reported that Taylor has 14 passing touchdowns and ranks fourth nationally in total yards per game and sixth in passer efficiency.
Both teams are reported to be 4–0 overall and 2–0 in SEC play. Mississippi State hosts the Week 5 matchup on Saturday; the source does not specify the date.
The game brings together two sophomores whom CBS Sports describes as breakout players. The outlet says neither can enter the NFL draft until at least 2028.
