4-star SMU QB commit Keelon Russell recaps ‘amazing’ official visit

SMU four-star commit and 2025 Duncanville (Tex.) quarterback Keelon Russell was back on the Hilltop for his official visit this weekend. The Pony Express weekend impressed the Top 100 prospect.

“It was tons of fun,” Russell told On3. “Getting this atmosphere, getting the relationship, everything was just amazing. The main thing that SMU had from the jump was the relationships that we had. Having that piece was amazing.”

The push was on to keep Dallas’ top prospects home and the back-to-back state champion saw some familiar faces he’ll see on the field this fall.

“Those are the dudes you grew up with, but at the same time, those are the dudes you love to compete against,” Russell said. “It was great. We had a lot of fun and laughter. When it comes that time when we got to face each other on the field, we’re going to be villains. We’re gonna be enemies.”

Russell was the first prospect to arrive for his SMU official visit this weekend. Being the leader of the class is important to any quarterback pledge, but being in his hometown stands out in a big way with regards to the opportunity on the Hilltop.

“It was a big thing. We always talking about how the quarterback changes the atmosphere, the life of a college,” he said. “Just being a quarterback here, it really makes Dallas around you. This is the spot that everybody trusts you with.”

SMU’s players also spent in-depth time with Russell, which was a new piece for him this weekend.

“This is my first time being around the recruits, seeing a lot of the other dudes like Kevin (Jennings), Keldric (Luster). Them already being here (Roderick Daniels, too). It set off a great boost to me.”

SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee is letting him know he’s needed, but he wants him to enjoy his recruiting process as well. The focus from SMU’s angle is that he can leave a legacy with the Mustangs.

“He’s saying to stay focused. He wants me here for sure. He’s going to keep competing, but at the same time, he wants me to have fun,” Russell said. “At the end of the day, it’s a business decision. He wants me to do me. He wants me to be a part of an amazing legacy at this school. He wants me to keep striving to do things at this school, which is gonna happen.”

Russell plans to take official visits to “look at schools” with an “open” recruitment. Alabama, Florida and Oregon are set to host him for official visits this summer before he shuts down his recruitment before his senior season.

“Being 100 percent, keyed into the college,” he said of his goals with his decision.

Following On3’s latest rankings update, Russell now checks in as the No. 80 overall recruit and No. 8 QB in the 2025 On300. He’s also now the No. 77 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

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