Ken Ruinard / staff, The Greenville News via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Paul Finebaum Names Freshman QB Who is a 'Generational Player'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 10:00 AM ET

The 2024 college football season did not go as planned for some of the top programs in the sport.

Now, those programs are looking to turn things around in 2025. One team that has received a significant boost in this effort is the Alabama Crimson Tide, which secured the No. 3 recruiting class in the country. The standout recruit in this class is five-star quarterback Keelon Russell.

Russell is ranked as the No. 2 overall player in the nation. According to On3's scouting report, he is a well-rounded and instinctive quarterback prospect known for his precise passing abilities, good athleticism and a proven track record of success.

On "The Paul Finebaum Show," SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum discussed how the transfer portal has made it easier for high-profile players to leave their schools. He mentioned Russell as an example, but emphasized that Alabama has a special player on its roster.

"If DeBoer doesn't find a way to get him integrated into the system, why would he be there?" Finebaum said. "Neither Mac Jones nor Ty Simpson was as heavily recruited as Keelon Russell. Ty Simpson was a big-time prospect, but (not as big as Keelon). This is a generational player."

Russell is competing to replace Jalen Milroe, who was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL draft. Last season, Milroe passed for 2,844 yards with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also led the Crimson Tide in rushing, amassing 726 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns.

Simpson is projected to be the starting quarterback, but he is competing against Russell and Austin Mack, who followed DeBoer from Washington. None of the trio has much experience. Simpson, a former five-star prospect, has only completed 29 of his 50 career passes, totaling 381 yards, while Mack has attempted just three passes.

Finebaum recently expressed that he believes Simpson is a capable starter, although he admits he doesn't know much beyond that. He senses that DeBoer is comfortable with Simpson and thinks he has a lot of potential. However, with the rise of the transfer portal, Finebaum believes that the days of waiting for your turn are over.

He suggests that if Russell doesn't receive a genuine opportunity to start or isn’t convinced he will be utilized, this could be his only season in Tuscaloosa. This situation could leave the Crimson Tide with a significant gap to fill as Russell is seen as the future of the program.

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

More must-reads: