Alabama football names Keelon Russell starting QB for 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 5:10 PM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
Alabama has officially named Keelon Russell the starting quarterback for the 2026 football season. A former #2 overall recruit, Russell has showcased impressive skills throughout the offseason, particularly during spring practice and preseason scrimmages. He completed 21 of 33 passes for 240 yards and four touchdowns in the A-Day scrimmage. Russell's selection over senior Austin Mack comes after a competitive offseason, during which Mack dealt with injuries. The decision is expected to energize the Alabama program as it prepares for the upcoming season.
- •Keelon Russell named Alabama's starting quarterback on August 22, 2026.
- •Russell was a former #2 overall recruit and highest-ranked Alabama signee.
- •He performed well in A-Day scrimmage, throwing four touchdowns.
- •Austin Mack competed but was limited by injuries during preseason.
- •Alabama aims for a strong season with Russell at the helm.
- 6:49 PMYahoo Sports — Alabama names its 2026 starting QB before hosting Texas A&M in Week 8
- 6:38 PMYahoo Sports — Meet Keelon Russell, the new Alabama starting quarterback
- 5:10 PMYahoo Sports — BREAKING: Alabama Football names Keelon Russell the starting QB for 2026
"Texas A&M will likely face redshirt sophomore QB Keelon Russell when the Aggies face Alabama on the road in Week 8.
"The Russell Era has begun in Tuscaloosa, hold on to your butts
"There's a new starting quarterback in Tuscaloosa.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 6:49 PMAlabama names its 2026 starting QB before hosting Texas A&M in Week 8
Texas A&M will likely face redshirt sophomore QB Keelon Russell when the Aggies face Alabama on the road in Week 8.
- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 6:38 PMMeet Keelon Russell, the new Alabama starting quarterback
There's a new starting quarterback in Tuscaloosa.
- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 5:10 PMBREAKING: Alabama Football names Keelon Russell the starting QB for 2026
The Russell Era has begun in Tuscaloosa, hold on to your butts
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