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Keelon Russell: Alabama Sophomore's NFL Draft Eligibility Questioned
11 Oct
Summary
- Russell is a sophomore quarterback at Alabama in 2026.
- He signed as a class of 2025 recruit, playing as a freshman in 2025.
- NFL rules require players to be three years removed from high school for draft eligibility.
Alabama's starting quarterback, Keelon Russell, has quickly established himself as a key player in his freshman season. As of October 11, 2026, Russell has guided the Crimson Tide to an undefeated 5-0 start, demonstrating impressive performance with 1,414 passing yards and 11 touchdowns through the first five games of the 2026 season. His emergence has sparked discussions about his potential entry into the 2027 NFL Draft.
However, Russell's current academic standing as a sophomore in 2026 places a hurdle on his immediate NFL aspirations. He joined the Alabama program as part of the 2025 recruiting class, serving as a backup to Ty Simpson during the 2025 season. During his true freshman year, he completed 11 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns without taking a redshirt. According to NFL regulations, prospective players must be a minimum of three years removed from their high school graduation date to be eligible for the draft. This rule suggests that 2028 would be the earliest year Keelon Russell could be considered for the NFL Draft, assuming he maintains his eligibility path.
