Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week after producing a strong dual-threat performance in the Crimson Tide’s 50-36 victory over Florida State.
The redshirt freshman completed 23 of 30 passes for 329 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, recording a 76.7% completion rate. Russell also contributed on the ground, rushing three times for 56 yards and another touchdown.
The Maxwell Football Club presents the weekly honor during the 2026 college football season, recognizing standout freshman performances across offense, defense and special teams.
Russell Delivers Efficient Performance Against Florida State
Russell played a central role in Alabama’s offensive production against Florida State, combining accurate passing with the ability to create additional opportunities as a runner.
Through the air, the quarterback completed more than three-quarters of his attempts while avoiding turnovers. His 329 passing yards and three touchdowns helped Alabama maintain consistent offensive pressure throughout the high-profile non-conference matchup.
Russell’s contribution extended beyond the passing game. He averaged nearly 19 yards per rushing attempt, gaining 56 yards on just three carries.
One of his biggest plays on the ground came during the third quarter, when Russell scored a touchdown that extended Alabama’s advantage to double digits. His ability to escape defenders and generate yardage added another challenge for Florida State’s defense.
Overall, Russell accounted for 385 yards of offense and four touchdowns. His combination of passing efficiency and rushing production gave Alabama a dual-threat presence at quarterback and helped the Crimson Tide secure the 14-point victory.
Dual-Threat Ability Adds Dimension to Alabama Offense
Russell’s performance provided another indication of his growing role within Alabama’s offense as the 2026 season progresses.
His effectiveness as both a passer and runner allowed the Crimson Tide to attack Florida State in multiple ways. Alabama benefited from Russell’s accuracy in the passing game while also using his mobility to create explosive plays when opportunities developed on the ground.
Ball security was another significant element of the freshman quarterback’s performance. Despite attempting 30 passes, Russell finished the game without an interception while throwing three touchdown passes.
The outing came in a prominent non-conference game, providing Russell with an opportunity to demonstrate his development against a major opponent.
As Alabama moves deeper into its schedule, performances such as the one against Florida State could further establish Russell as an important part of the Crimson Tide offense.
Maxwell Football Club Recognizes Top Freshmen Each Week
The Maxwell Football Club uses the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week award to recognize outstanding individual performances by college freshmen throughout the season.
Each week during the 2026 campaign, a player can be selected based on overall performance on offense, defense or special teams. Eligibility is not limited to players who appeared on the Shaun Alexander Award preseason watch list, allowing freshmen across college football to receive consideration based on their performances during the season.
The weekly recognition is associated with the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, which honors outstanding freshman achievement in college football.
Russell’s selection follows an Alabama performance in which he demonstrated efficiency, explosive-play ability and versatility. His three passing touchdowns, one rushing score and 385 total offensive yards helped power the Crimson Tide past Florida State.
For Alabama, the performance also offered another sign of Russell’s development as the redshirt freshman continues to take on a significant role in the team’s offense during the 2026 season.
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