Greg McElroy Reveals Brutally Honest Take on Alabama QB Keelon Russell

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 7:32 PM ET

The biggest question, by far, facing the Alabama Crimson Tide and head coach Kalen DeBoer is who will start at quarterback to open the 2025 season.

Star quarterback Jalen Milroe is NFL-bound after locking down the position for two seasons. The offense put a lot of weight on the dual-threat passer and attention has turned to a talented trio in contention for the starting nod next season.

The group includes redshirt junior Ty Simpson, redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and five-star signee Keelon Russell. There is barely any game experience among the three, but Simpson, a former five-star, has been in waiting after backing up Milroe.

But Russell is arguably drawing the most hype. The 6-foot-3, 192-pound passer was rated as the No. 2 recruit in the country coming out of Duncanville, Texas.

In an appearance on "McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning" on Tuesday, former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy noted that Simpson and Mack are leading the charge while Russell is still adjusting to the fast-paced college level.

"Everyone wants to see the quarterback," McElroy said. … "How will Ty Simpson look versus Austin Mack in the one-two battle that’s going on right now between those two? And how far along is Keelon Russel? Is he far along enough to be able to close the gap that exists between him and the guys in front of him?"

Fans of Russell's talent may take exception to the reality of the situation in Tuscaloosa. McElroy, however, did offer a sensible response to those concerns.

"By the way, that gap is expected," McElroy said. "A lot of people are panicked. … Bryce Young didn’t start as a true freshman. Arch Manning didn’t start as a true freshman. A lot of guys didn’t start as true freshman. It’s okay. I think – if you really want national championship aspirations – a true freshman starting quarterback is not really an advantage to be honest with you."

DeBoer shared an update on where Russell stands in the quarterback room before Alabama culminates spring practice on Saturday. It appears that Simpson is getting the majority of the reps with starters.

"Keelon definitely works in with the two's, he'll get one reps from time to time. That's no indication of really where we feel he's at, he's killing it," DeBoer said. "He's doing a great job. You can see when he's out there, he's getting more and more comfortable moving the ball down the field."

Alabama will open the season at Florida State on Aug. 30.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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