National Analysis of new On3 Industry 5-star Keelon Russell
This week featured updates from two major media recruiting rankings services: On3 and 247.
These are the two services that make up the bulk of the On3 Industry Rankings formula. The formula weights both of them at 35 percent each, with Rivals (20 percent) and ESPN (10 percent) also factoring in.
After these updates, Alabama quarterback commitment Keelon Russell has earned five-star status on his On3 Industry Ranking. Russell, who flipped to Bama from SMU on June 4, moved up 43 spots to No. 37 in the latest 2025 On300 update.
“First off, he continues to get better every time we see him play,” On3 National Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power said. “Whether that’s in the high school setting on Friday nights, and also in person. We’ve seen him multiple times. He’s shown improvement.”
Contributing to Russell’s jump in the rankings were his performances this offseason. His time on the camp circuit was highlighted by winning the Elite 11 Finals MVP. Russell finished No. 2 at the event per On3’s standings, behind Notre Dame quarterback commit Deuce Knight.
“I think he’s continuing to grow into his body. I think he’s grown over half an inch; we measured him at over 6-foot-3 at the On3 Elite Series,” Power said. “He’s going to need to continue filling out being around 180 pounds right now. But he had a great week at the Elite 11. Was really good the first day and on the third day, he made easy work of the 7-on-7 in the live period.”
In a Q&A on the BOL Round Table this week, Power stated that the rankings of the No. 2-7 quarterbacks (Matt Zollers, Tavien St. Clair, Deuce Knight, Husan Longstreet, Russell and Julian Lewis, in that order) are fluid.
“When you look at the full body of work of what Keelon has done, he certainly deserved to move up,” Power said. “Going into his senior season, he’s put himself among the top group of quarterbacks nationally as a top-40 prospect. We view that tier of top-40 quarterbacks as really the top group in what is a deep cycle at the position.”
As a junior, Russell threw for 3,483 yards passing with 38 touchdowns and three interceptions. More impressively, he completed more than 74 percent of his passes. He also added 361 yards rushing with six additional scores on the ground.
Losing an 1,800-plus-yard rusher in Caden Durham (LSU Tigers signee), Power is looking forward to seeing how Russell looks this fall.
“Keelon Russell, he’s got a well-rounded skill set,” Power said. “He’s got a good arm. He’s a good athlete. He is proven on Friday nights. Moving forward with him, we’re looking for him to continue to make strides as an individual player, as a playmaker. Continuing to get that experience. We’re eager to see him be a primary playmaker at Duncanville as a senior.
Alabama QB commit Keelon Russell.
“We saw that at times as a junior. I think he certainly has the capability of shouldering a big load for that team, especially when they get to the playoffs this coming season,” Power said. “He certainly has the capability, and we’re looking forward to how it all plays out. I expect Keelon Russell to be playing really significant football deep into the fall.”
An interesting note on Russell is that he did not turn 17 until this past April. As such, the development he’s shown to this point and the potential for his frame to fill out when he gets to college are positive markers in his evaluation.
There are still multiple rankings updates before the final one in early 2025. Russell will also get to showcase his skill set at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio in January.
“He’s going to have a lot of eyes on him, including us. I’m just looking forward to seeing how he continues to progress,” Power said. “He is one who has gotten better. He’s also one of the younger quarterbacks in the class. The improvement he’s shown is very encouraging… we’re looking to see how all the group plays as seniors.
“Keelon Russell moved up in this ranking, he moved up amongst the quarterback group, and I think we’re going to let the film that these guys put on as seniors play a big role in how everything shakes out from a rankings standpoint,” Power added. “But he’s certainly ascending. I think the arrow is pointing up for Keelon Russell. There’s no doubt he’s moving in the right direction.”
Be sure to also check out Andrew Bone’s updated Alabama Offensive Big Board – HERE. As well as Thursday’s quadbox with discussion on the new rankings and reflecting on previous Bama recruits that saw their stocks rise during their senior seasons – HERE.
Want to talk with the BOL staff and also thousands of other Alabama fans about all the latest recruiting intel? CLICK HERE to join daily conversations about the Crimson Tide and much more on the BOL RoundTable.
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