The Alabama Crimson Tide is gearing up for the 2025 season with some intriguing shifts under the leadership of head coach Kalen DeBoer. Last year, their offense was a model of efficiency, albeit drastically different from DeBoer’s championship-winning scheme with Washington in 2023. This year brings new challenges and exciting potential as DeBoer crafts an offense without dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe, who’s now testing his mettle in the NFL. With Ryan Grubb returning to the fold after a brief stint in the league, fans are eager to see how Alabama’s offense takes shape.
While the quarterback race hasn’t been officially decided, redshirt junior Ty Simpson seems poised to take the helm of DeBoer and Grubb’s offense. Simpson, equipped with an enviable receiving corps led by sophomore sensation Ryan Williams and a robust offensive line, brings a sense of stability. His game-manager skills may not dazzle, but they ensure the offense remains steady and reliable. However, the real star in the making might just be lurking on the sidelines, ready to change the tide in Tuscaloosa – freshman quarterback Keelon Russell.
Russell, with his 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame, isn’t just any backup; he’s a phenom with talent that defies his years. Though slightly built, he more than compensates with athleticism and flair that are rare to find at the quarterback position. Unlike his predecessor Milroe, Russell brings the arm of a traditional quarterback, always looking to dish out explosive plays through the air. His knack for improvisation and turning broken plays into big gains makes him an asset that’s hard to ignore.
Russell’s arm talent is a tapestry of power and precision, giving him the ability to hit targets all over the field and pull off throws that leave defenses shaking. Sure, there’s a streak of ‘arm arrogance’ that sometimes leads to errors, but the same boldness also resulted in 52 touchdowns in his senior year at Duncanville High School, each one more highlight-worthy than the last.
In an ideal scenario, Simpson could excel in a setup reminiscent of Mac Jones during Alabama’s golden 2020 season. Yet, recreating such offensive perfection is a tall order in just DeBoer’s second year. Losing Tyler Booker, who became the No. 12 pick for the Dallas Cowboys, leaves a significant void in the offensive line. Meanwhile, the departure of Justice Haynes to Michigan further depletes the Tide’s backfield arsenal.
Missing out on the College Football Playoff last season has lit a fire under DeBoer, and the pressure is on to steer Alabama back to the summit. Should Simpson hit any bumps during the season, the allure of unleashing Russell’s dynamic style could prove irresistible. The true freshman possesses the kind of potential that can redefine a season or morph a solid unit into a juggernaut capable of contending for a national championship.
In the 2025 season, the question isn’t whether Keelon Russell will step onto the field; it’s when. As the biggest X-factor for Alabama’s offense, his emergence could very well shape the outlook of not just the Crimson Tide, but of the entire college football landscape.
