Make no mistake. Nick Saban likes Keelon Russell, Alabama football’s new starting quarterback. But when looking at the Crimson Tide offense, that is not what Saban is focused on.
When asked about Russell on “The Pat McAfee Show” Thursday, Sept. 3, Saban said Russell is “very talented.” But that is not where the question of the Alabama offense lies, even if it’s a question that led Alabama to picking Russell in the first place.
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“I do think that the big question for Alabama is, again, how can they fix the offensive line?” Saban said. “How is that going to impact the quarterback position? I do know that Keelon Russell is probably the best guy they have to be able to be a playmaker and make plays when things break down and aren’t perfect, which may be really important for Alabama’s offense this year.”
Russell is the highest-rated recruit in Alabama history, per 247Sports. He appeared in two games as a freshman in 2025 and threw two touchdowns.
Alabama has one returning starter on the offensive line in Michael Carroll, who moved inside to right guard. Alabama is projected to start two transfers – Jayvin James and Racin Delgatty – and two returners – Jackson Lloyd and William Sanders – Saturday against East Carolina.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter or Instagram @colingaytnews.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Nick Saban more focused on this part of Alabama football than Keelon Russell
