Alabama QB Signee Wins Gatorade Player of the Year

Keelon Russell, the superstar five-star quarterback Alabama signed last week on early signing day, has been named the Gatorade National Player of the Year for 2025.

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Russell won the award over Alvin Henderson, a four-star running back from Elba High School in Alabama, and Jackson Cantwell, a five-star offensive tackle in 2026 from Nixa High School in Nixa, Missouri. Cantwell is ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 recruiting class.

Russell has led Duncanville High School to a 13-0 record so far this season, passing for 3,874 yards and 53 touchdowns in 2024, with only four interceptions on the season. Russell has also added 255 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Keelon Russell originally committed to Alabama in June 2024 after flipping from the SMU Mustangs. Russell took an official visit to Alabama in May 2024 after picking up an offer from the Crimson Tide in April 2024.

Russell will early enroll at Alabama after signing on December 4, giving him a chance to participate in the Crimson Tide's 15 bowl practices before enrolling in classes in spring. Russell will participate in a potential quarterback battle in the spring if current Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe decides to forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL draft.

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.