Sophomore Keelon Russell starts at quarterback for Alabama against East Carolina

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer named sophomore Keelon Russell the team's starting quarterback for the season opener against East Carolina. Russell secured the starting position after a preseason competition against senior Austin Mack. Previously the backup behind Ty Simpson, who has since joined the Los Angeles Rams, Russell enters the role with limited collegiate experience. As a high school recruit from Duncanville, Texas, he was rated as a top prospect in the 2025 class, known for his arm strength and mobility. He joins an offense featuring returning receiver Ryan Williams, alongside targets Lotzeir Brooks and Cederian Morgan. The team now turns its attention to the Week 1 matchup to begin the new season.

• 6:35 PMYahoo Sports — Who is Keelon Russell? Meet Alabama's new QB1 replacing Ty Simpson