Keelon Russell Signs First NIL Deal

Alabama's Freshman Five-star quarterback Keelon Russell just arrived at the Crimson Tide earlier this week and is already beginning to take advantage of the NIL game in Tuscaloosa.

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According to On3 NIL, Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell has signed an NIL deal for a multi-year partnership with Panini America.

It is Russell's first NIL deal, signed before he ever steps on the practice field at the University of Alabama.

Russell was a five-star signee in Alabama's 2025 recruiting class and elected to enroll early at Alabama in January. He played his high school football at Duncanville High School, where he won two straight state championships during his sophomore and junior seasons.

He was named the Maxwell National Player of the Year for his senior campaign and was ranked as the No. 2 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class.

Standing at 6-foot-4, 181 pounds, Russell completed 74% of his passes for 3,267 yards and 35 touchdowns with just three interceptions in 2023. He also led Duncanville High School to a 6A UIL state championship win. In 2024, he rose to a new level, completing 70% of his passes for 4,177 yards and 55 touchdowns to just five interceptions while leading Duncalville to a 13-1 record. Duncanville fell to North Crowley in the Texas state semifinals.

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.