{
  "id": 5756149,
  "title": "Who is Alabama's quarterback? Keelon Russell stats, 247 ranking, highlights and more",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/who-is-alabamas-quarterback-keelon-russell-stats-247-ranking",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-05T10:00:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/alabamas-quarterback-keelon-russell-stats-100052240.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Alabama Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer has made the decision to start freshman quarterback Keelon Russell for the team's Week 1 opener against East Carolina on September 5th. This marks the third time in as many seasons that Alabama will have a different starting quarterback, following the departure of Ty Simpson after last year's loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff.\n\nRussell, a highly touted recruit from Duncanville High School in Texas, was the third-string quarterback as a true freshman, only appearing in two games with minimal action. However, he has shown significant potential and has quickly risen through the ranks. In high school, Russell completed 71.3% of his passes, throwing for 7,444 yards and 97 touchdowns during his high school career.\n\nDeBoer explained that Russell's decision to start came down to the quarterback's poise, execution, and ability to handle the pressure of being Alabama's starter. The coach emphasized that Russell has gained more confidence and experience with each passing game, allowing him to command the offense and make crucial plays. Russell's poise and ability to remain composed under pressure were key factors in DeBoer's decision.",
  "summary": "Keelon Russell will make his first career start at Alabama against East Carolina. Here's what to know about the Crimson Tide's sophomore QB:",
  "key_points": [
    "Keelon Russell starts for Alabama in Week 1 opener against East Carolina on September 5th",
    "Freshman Russell rose from third-string to starting QB, showing significant potential",
    "Russell completed 71.3% of passes in high school, throwing for 7,444 yards and 97 touchdowns"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}