Texas A&M took care of business in Week 7, earning its second shutout win of the season after defeating The Citadel 41-0 behind 264 rushing yards and three touchdowns from sophomore RB Jamarion Morrow. With freshman back KJ Edwards adding 116 rushing yards, the Aggie offense needs to keep a "ground and pound" approach, especially if redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed remains the starter.
On defense, Texas A&M didn't have to do much, as the Bulldogs barely attempted to throw the ball, running 47 times for 140 yards, resulting in a one-dimensional attack that didn't require defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill to scheme up pressure, just needing to stop the run and tackle in ******* e, which was accomplished.
The SEC experienced its most chaotic week in what feels like a decade-plus, as No. 1 Georgia, No. 7 Texas, and Texas A&M's next opponent, Alabama, lost at home and on the road, resulting in a seismic shift in the US LBM Coaches Poll and AP Top 25.
As I stated above, Texas A&M will head to Tuscaloosa for the first time since the 2022 season to face Alabama, and after an impressive start to the year against bad defenses, sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell has passed for just 185 yards against Georgia (loss) and 147 yards and an interception during Saturday's loss at Tennessee.
Still, expectations are that the former five-star prospect will rebound at home against Texas A&M's respectable but beatable defense, especially given the Aggies' pass-rush issues. The Aggies enter the week as 15.5-point underdogs, and ESPN FPI gives Texas A&M a 16.5% chance to defeat Alabama (83.5%).

#texas #yards #week #georgia

The Kentucky Wildcats seemed very likely to cover the spread as they took a 17-13 lead into the break against the Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 2 action. The second half didn't bode well for the Cats, or those who put a few bucks on them to cover the double-digit spread. Kentucky was outscored 18-0 in the third quarter and then 14-0 in the fourth quarter. The final score was 45-17 Alabama.
Despite the final total, the Cats should've still held their head high, having limited Keelon Russell to 188 yards and one touchdown and forcing him into two interceptions. Kentucky defensive tackle Tavion Gadson had one of the best games of his career as well. Ultimately, the Cats failed to cover as they closed as an 8.5-point home underdog, with the Over (46.5) cashing as well. They did cover in their Week 1 45-13 throttling of Youngstown State.
Now, the spread is live for the Cats' Week 3 foe, as they take the trip to College Station to face the top-ten Texas A&M Aggies. Kentucky has opened as a 14.5-point underdog, which could be seen as a surprise given how Week 2 concluded. Here are the opening spreads for all the SEC games this upcoming weekend.
The Aggies crushed Missouri State 50-0 in Week 1 and then edged Arizona State 48-20 in Week 2, forcing former Kentucky starting quarterback Cutter Boley into two interceptions. Boley ended with 254 yards and 2 touchdowns.
For Kentucky, slowing down Aggies' quarterback Marcel Reed is going to be a challenge, as will be covering the spread. The Aggies come into this one 2-0 against the spread (ATS), having closed as a favorite of at each two touchdowns in each contest.

#alabama

Well that was atrocious and my eyeballs hurt just from having to witness that half of a football game.
Alabama's offense opened the game with Keelon Russell taking a bad intentional grounding penalty, Daniel Hill getting dropped for a loss, then Russell getting picked off by a defensive lineman for a quick pick 6. The Tide defense did turn around and get their own pick six with Luke Metz jumping a slant route, but that was about the last good thing to happen for Alabama.
The Tide defense generally stood their ground, but one drive got extended twice one "Defensive holding" penalties, then extended again when the Tide got a stop on 4th down, but the referees decided that, somehow, replay concluded that an incomplete pass was actually a fumble, and that fumble somehow occurred over the first down line despite the player not being at the line and ball being in his back arm.
Alabama's offense did put together two decent drives, but both stalled in the redzone on the backs of multiple penalties taking away touchdowns. Just eye-gouging football to have to watch.
Then, with a chance to go down the field and take a lead before halftime, Russell overthrew Rico Scott by about 15 yards and got picked off, giving Kentucky a short field. The Tide defense stood on their heads again, but Bray Hubbard got called for clapping when he celebrated his team not jumping offsides on a 4th down hard count. Technically the right penalty…. But man. The crucial-situation yellow flags coming out this entire half was awful. Anyway, it pushed Kentucky far enough up they could close the half with a field goal.

#russell #defense #field

Alabama Crimson Tide football printable 2026 schedule with dates, times and TV lineup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Even with significant roster turnover, Alabama has high hopes after coach Kalen DeBoer led the Crimson Tide to the national quarterfinals last season.
Receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, known as Ryan Williams his first two years, is back as potentially one of the nation's most explosive receivers. He's the only returning offensive starter for the Crimson Tide. Keelon Russell won the starting quarterback job in fall camp and will replace Ty Simpson.
Linebacker Yhonzae Pierre is back to lead what should be a stout defense. He led Alabama with 14.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks and nine quarterback pressures last season. Zabien Brown, the team's top cornerback, had two interception returns for touchdowns a year ago.
MORE: Brunt: Oklahoma rolls past UTEP, but things aren't perfect heading into Michigan showdown

#back

Well after one half, how are we feeling?
Alabama entered this game determined to show they could run the football after an entire off-season of questions about it, and the trio of Daniel Hill, EJ Crowell, and Trae'Shawn Brown all looked to have a bit of juice that ****** ody showed a year ago with Hill rushing for for two TDs and Crowell picking up a 3rd. The rebuilt OL was opening a whole lot of holes right up the middle, though they struggled on some stretch runs.
At QB, Keelon Russell has been as advertised, constantly moving the chains with both his arm and his legs. He had a couple of first-year guy mistakes, but overall handled all kinds of pressure very well, and converted multiple 4th downs with some impressive throws.
Ryan Coleman-Williams and Kaleb Edwards both had a couple of drops each, but RCW did get things rolling near the end of the half with three good catches. Derek Meadows also has a really nice catch.
Defensively, the Tide defense wasn't on the field a whole lot. They had one coverage bust at the start and gave up a long touchdown, but otherwise the ECU offense has gone backwards as often as they're gone forward. Yhonzae Pierre even got a pick six.

#well #whole #couple #gone

College football's Week 1 has kicked off, and college football Saturdays are back in full swing. The Alabama Crimson Tide hosted the East Carolina Pirates to kick off their season at home.
Alabama, led by quarterback Keelon Russell, got off to a commanding 17-0 lead to start the second quarter. However, there was a concerning development observed early that has continued from last season: its star wide receiver has a case of the drops once again.
MORE: College GameDay crew makes early College Football Playoff National Championship picks
Alabama star wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams undoubtedly has the big-play ability to keep defensive coordinators up at night. However, through less than 16 minutes of game action, Coleman-Williams had two bad drops.
One came on a wide-open play downfield in the first quarter. The other came in the red zone on fourth-and-3 and would have resulted in a touchdown. East Carolina jumped offsides, though, so the drop ultimately did not matter.

#however #coleman #williams

Who is Keelon Russell? Meet Alabama's new QB1 replacing Ty Simpson originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Alabama will have a new face under center at quarterback this year, as Ty Simpson is now in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams. To replace him, head coach Kalen DeBoer has turned to sophomore Keelon Russell.
The sophomore competed with senior quarterback Austin Mack for the starting job, but will be the Tide's Week 1 starter against East Carolina.
Let's take a look at what Russell brings to the Tide and see how he might do in his first season as Alabama's starter.
MORE:Updated news on Lane Kiffin's roster for Week 1 vs. Clemson

#keelon #week #quarterback

College football is back in full swing, and it all begins on Thursday night. As for the SEC in particular, there will be one game on Thursday and one game on Friday, before you can see every SEC team play on Saturday — along with Sunday.
In this weekly prediction, we are going to preview three games, and then do a quick-hit style for the remaining games. Here is how we see every game shaping up this weekend for SEC teams.
MORE: Predicting Big Ten football scores in Week 1 — Can Wisconsin upset Notre Dame?
Aug. 17, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell (12) throws at practice for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Alabama enters the game as a four-touchdown favorite, but there are a lot of reasons to see the Crimson Tide on Saturday. While they might not say it, Kalen DeBoer needs to impress this season, and he will be relying on young QB Keelon Russell to get him victories.

#keelon #Football

It's hard to believe the long, insufferable wait for college football is almost over! With Yahoo College Fantasy Football draft season in the home stretch, here are a few league-winning players to make sure you are aware of when studying for your last few drafts.
Play Yahoo's new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!
The former Elite 11 winner was battling veteran QB Austin Mack for the coveted role as HC Kalen DeBoer starting signal caller, and has now officially secured the starting job. Keep in mind DeBoer's last three quarterbacks were NFL Draft picks, with Michael Penix Jr. and Ty Simpson being selected in the top 13.
I had the opportunity to watch Keelon closely at the Elite 11 Finals, and also spoke with his personal QB coach at length about his traits. Perhaps most importantly, his QB coach said Russell's football mind and ability to process is the most developed he has ever seen out of a high school QB. That's music to my ears, and with Russell locked into the starting job, he is an incredible value considering he's been selected outside the top 20 of P4 quarterbacks up until this point. He's a certifiable steal where he's being drafted and has league-winning upside.
The Freaks List honoree has been in the lab working hard this offseason, as Scott reportedly beefed up to 223 pounds while running a jaw-dropping 4.35s 40-yard dash. NC State plays one of the easiest P4 schedules in the country, dodging ACC heavyweights Clemson, Miami, SMU and Notre Dame (honorary ACC school). He takes over the full starting job from the departed Hollywood Smothers and I expect him to eclipse Smothers' commendable 15.7 fantasy PPG. Scott has sky-scraping upside and should approach the rare pantheon of 20 PPG college fantasy football running backs this season.

#league #scott

Keelon Russell has the respect of his Alabama football teammates. Now, as the Crimson Tide's starting quarterback, relationship building starts.
As Alabama's 2026 season opener nears, and as offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb sets his plans in motion to ensure Russell is as prepared as possible for his first collegiate start against East Carolina, the number one relationship on Grubb's mind isn't between Russell and Ryan Coleman-Williams. It's not a receiver. It's not a running back.
It's Russell and his center: Cal Poly transfer Racin Delgatty.
"I think his relationship with all the O-line is, for a young quarterback, like just being himself, asking questions and really for him, I think it starts with him and Racin," Grubb said after Alabama's fall camp practice Tuesday, Aug. 25. "You know, like them having to gel together on protection calls and checks and trusting Racin to help get him into the right calls if he needs it."
Grubb made it clear. Russell has the final say on protections. Quarterbacks always do. They know where the problems are. They see the big picture.

#grubb #ryan #like

When offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb thinks back to how Keelon Russell won the Alabama football starting quarterback job, he thought of moments like this one.
Alabama was in the red zone on third down during the team's second fall scrimmage, and the offense faced a zeroed-out look, an all-out blitz. The clock was ticking and Russell had less than 10 seconds to work with. The quarterback fell back on his training. He made checks on protection and made the throw he needed to.
"Everything that you think like, 'Oh, is a young quarterback going to be able to do that?'" Grubb said. "But we have a ton of confidence in him. He's playing confident. He's operating at an incredibly high level right now."
It was the showcase of an athletic ability that set Russell apart in the quarterback battle against Austin Mack. But it was also a showcase of why athleticism was not the only reason why Russell won the job in the first place.
"I told him if that's all they ever say about you, that would be an insult," Grubb said. "And you know he he takes that very seriously that he knows you know playing quarterback and understand process and how to get through reads quicker is what's going to make him a complete player. And, you know, I would never want that stereotype for him that he ends up just being a a runaround guy back there. And he's not."

#grubb #back #alabama

The 2026 college football season begins this Saturday with an eight-game Week Zero. That leaves just under two weeks before most programs kick off their seasons. Several teams and their head coaches named their starting quarterbacks on Monday in preparation for Week 1.
Alabama named Keelon Russell its starter on Saturday, while other prominent QB competitions at Clemson, West Virginia, Vanderbilt and Iowa still haven't been decided — at least publicly.
Here are several of the QBs who have been named starters for the season.
The Volunteers are making true freshman Faizon Brandon their starting QB. Head coach Josh Heupel told the team of his decision on Monday morning and officially announced Brandon as the starter in an afternoon press conference.
Brandon, 6-foot-4, beat out sophomore George MacIntyre for the position, clinching the decision with his performance in a scrimmage on Saturday, according to On3. A five-star recruit, Rivals ranked Brandon as the No. 3 QB nationally and No. 10 player overall out of Grimsley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina.

#head

Keelon Russell is Alabama football's starting quarterback.
Russell, the highest-rated recruit in Alabama football history, per 247Sports' composite rankings and the first five-star quarterback in the Kalen DeBoer era, separated himself from the pack, beating Austin Mack for first-team reps. And DeBoer is excited to see what Russell can do.
"He continues to feel comfortable with this offense, command of the offense, execution," DeBoer said after Alabama's fall camp practice Monday, Aug. 24. "He's done a better job, with more and more reps, as you'd expect, taking care of the football. Balancing that with the ability to just be explosive not be too conservative."
It's poise, DeBoer said of Russell. It's Russell's production and his personal expectation of what the Crimson Tide offense is and what his role is in this offense. It's what DeBoer predicted of Russell out of Duncanville High School in Texas where he amassed 7,444 passing yards, completing 71.3% of his 586 pass attempts and 97 career touchdowns.
"Big moments never seemed too big for him," DeBoer said. "The guys believe in him. He has a voice out there. He's not afraid to speak up and be vocal, and I think that's even more so now that he's been named the starting quarterback. You just feel, when he's out there yelling out calls, trying to get guys lined up, pulling them in, whatever the situation is. It's him and the guys all beloeve in him and they are going to do what he says.

#deboer #offense #Football #reps

It's college football's week 0, and while we've still got some time before the Bulldogs kick off, the news from elsewhere is flowing free and fast. Let's take a quick spin around and see what's up.
Alabama has named sophomore Keelon Russell its starting quarterback over senior Austin Mack. It isn't a surprising outcome, as the former five star would eventually take over. But Bama fans are super stoked nonetheless.
Tennessee coach Josh Heupel on the other hand hasn't named a starter, but appears to be leaning toward freshman Faizon Brandon.Heupel has been saying all the right things publicly about going with the QB who brings the right mix of maturity and leadership to the role. But deep down I think there's something else at play: in the NIL era you can't bring in a multi-million dollar blue chipper like Brandon and afford to sit them on the bench. It's one reason I think Kirby Smart's emphasis on rewarding proven upperclassmen may be the smartest strategy in the NIL era.
Lane Kiffin on the other hand isn't so stoked about his tight end rotation, which is why he's apparently beating the bushes of the NFL for players who are on pro rosters but could come back to college now that a judge in Colorado has decided players in the 2022 class should have a fifth year of eligibility.
Though the buried lede in this story has to be that Kiffin apparently called Todd Monken to talk about whether he could have Monken's rookie tight end, and Monken didn't return his call. That goes on the long list of reasons I like Todd Monken.

#take #isn 't #stoked

Texas A&M's 2026 season opener vs. Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 5, is just two weeks away, and after a dozen preseason practices, third-year coach Mike Elko and his staff, now including first-year OC Holmon Wiggins and DC Lyle Hemphill, should feel pretty confident that the revamped 2026 roster is ready for the new season, especially redshirt quarterback Marcel Reed.
The Aggies' new nine-game SEC schedule, which includes five brutal road matchups vs. LSU, Missouri, Alabama, South Carolina, and Oklahoma, will more than likely determine if Mike Elko can lead his team back to the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive season after losing to eventual national runner-up Miami in the first round.
Texas A&M could enter the Week 8 road battle vs. Alabama in Tuscaloosa at 6-1 or 7-0 based on the Aggies' favorability in earlier matchups, while Marcel Reed, who is entering his second full starting season, holds a slight advantage under center, but on Saturday, Alabama's starting quarterback battle came to a close, as former five-star and redshirt sophomore QB Keelon Russell has reportedly won the job.
On paper, this could be a low-scoring game given both teams' deep secondaries, which can prevent explosive passing plays, and the pressure on Reed and Russell to make efficient throws and move the chains, and based on Alabama's early schedule vs. East Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, South Carolina, Mississippi State, Georgia, and Tennessee, will Keelon Russell still be the starter by then?
My guess? Yes, based on his high NFL upside and ability to make plays with his legs, providing Coach Kalen DeBoer with the most complete quarterback he's had since arriving in Tuscaloosa.

#missouri

This entire offseason, most all conversations around Alabama have been something along the lines of "They improved a few areas from 2025, but we still don't know who the QB is."
Well, now we do. And he's only a former #2 overall recruit who also happens to be the highest ranked recruit that Alabama has ever signed.
Keelon Russell has been named Alabama's starting quarterback ahead of the 2026 football season, BamaOnLine has learned. Multiple national reports and Yea Alabama also confirmed it.
Russell, a sophomore, has competed with senior Austin Mack all offseason. But the former began to pick up steam toward the end of spring practice. Mack was limited by an injury, and Russell had a strong showing throughout the week leading up to the A-Day scrimmage. He then had a big day throwing the ball, completing 21-of-33 passes for 240 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in front of the spring crowd that gathered at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
During Alabama's two preseason scrimmages in August, Russell continued to impress those who were in attendance. Buzz about him likely being named the Tide's starting quarterback picked up prior to the second and final scrimmage, and while head coach Kalen DeBoer did not tip his hand to reporters, Russell was ultimately named the UA starter over the weekend.

#recruit #starting #spring

ArmanTsarukyan will return to compete on Real American Freestyleless than two weeks after his next Ultimate Fighting Championship bout.

The UFC lightweight is scheduled to face DillonDanis at RAF 14 on Oct. 3 at Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. Thewrestling promotion recently announced that the match will becontested for the RAF middleweight crossover championship. The newscomes less than one week after the UFC announced Tsarukyan (23-3)will face MauricioRuffy (14-2) at UFC331 on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles.
Tsarukyan has fought just once in 2024 and once in 2025, with hislatest victory in mixed martial arts coming against Dan Hooker inNovember last year. However, he's competed in 15 wrestling andsubmission grappling matches over the last two years, goingunbeaten in all but one. In his last wrestling match under the RAFbanner, he was outpointed by ColbyCovington.

He has collected victories over LancePalmer, Georgio Poullas, UrijahFaber, KeelonJimison, TonyFerguson and KuatKhamitov in RAF so far. His next outing will be against Danisin October at RAF 14 in Las Vegas. Danis will attempt to snap atwo-fight losing streak under the RAF banner. The jiu jitsuspecialist lost to Covington in March before falling to former UFCmiddleweight champion KhamzatChimaev in June.

Before returning to RAF, Tsarukyan will face Ruffy at UFC 331.Danis will also compete in MMA before meeting Tsarukyan, as he isbooked to face Mike Perryin the Duel Arena 1 main event on Aug. 29 in Orlando, Florida,looking to extend his record to 4-0.

#vegas #championship

There is no secret surrounding what the biggest questions for the Alabama Crimson Tide are as the program begins 2026 fall camp this week.
The Crimson Tide have yet to name a starting quarterback ahead of their Week 1 showdown with East Carolina, with that competition likely the biggest storyline for Alabama entering fall camp.
In addition to that, the Crimson Tide also have a few other competitions ongoing at certain positions that will also be determining who starts at that respective spot in Week 1. Among those alongside quarterback are inside linebacker, as well as kicker.
Here is a pre-fall camp prediction for who ends up starting for Alabama at each of those three positions in Week 1.
Names To Know: Austin Mack (Senior), Keelon Russell (Sophomore), John Gazzaniga (Sophomore), Jett Thomalla (Freshman), Tayden-Evan Kaawa (Freshman)

#biggest #starting

As Kalen DeBoer took the stage at SEC Media Days on Wednesday, the uncertainty and countdown to Alabama's quarterback decision continued, with just over a month remaining until the Crimson Tide open the season.
Will DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb turn to sophomore Keelon Russell, or will veteran Austin Mack be handed the reins of the offense as Ty Simpson's successor under center?
Nick Saban may have offered his choice on July 22 while appearing on the SEC Network's coverage of SEC Media Days in Tampa.
REQUIRED READING: Why Jon Sumrall said his Florida move wasn't like Lane Kiffin's to LSU
"I've watched this guy for two springs. He didn't play much in the fall. This guy is a talented guy who is a playmaker who can make plays, and whether he's ready to play now or not — obviously, the coaches have to determine that — he is going to be an outstanding player in the future," Saban said of Russell.

#play

Happy Thursday everyone. Yesterday we were honoring the day by Gumping over Keelon Russell's Heisman candidacy, but Charlie Potter thinks that Austin Mack is still very much alive in the race and might even have an edge.
Very interesting, but I still fully expect Russell to win the job.
Nick Kelly continues to hear great things about Devan Thompkins.
The Southern Cal transfer didn't have eye-popping stats out west, but all early indications out of Tuscaloosa are that he's got a real chance to became an instant game wrecker in his first season with the Crimson Tide.
"Once we got to know him and you started doing your research from his time at USC, you know this guy's a captain, he's a leader," defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said in the spring. "He carries himself with a professional demeanor day-in and day-out.

The Alabama Crimson Tide made its first College Football Playoff appearance under head coach Kalen DeBoer last season, and defeated Oklahoma in the first round before suffering a blowout to Indiana in the quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl.
DeBoer signed a seven-year contract extension worth $87.7 million in April, and Alabama expects greater things from its head coach in the future.
The Crimson Tide will face an uphill battle to return to the CFP this year with several questions on their roster, especially at quarterback with Keelon Russell and Austin Mack set to battle for the starting job in training camp. The defense lost four players to the NFL draft.
More News: Texas HC Steve Sarkisian Slams Ole Miss for ‘Basket Weaving’ Degree
More News: FIFA Under Fire For Defending Attendance For World Cup Match

Texas A&M's 2026 schedule, on paper at least, is much tougher than last season's slate, primarily due to a formidable stretch of road games against LSU, Missouri, South Carolina, and Alabama, plus a trip to Oklahoma in Norman before hosting the Texas Longhorns at the end of the regular season.
However, similar to last season, no one knows how most of the SEC will pan out, especially Alabama, as the Crimson Tide enters the fall practice period with a quarterback battle between Austin Mack and freshman Keelon Russell, who may end up splitting snaps to start the year before a final decision is made.
Defensively, Alabama should be better, bringing back an experienced secondary littered with blue-chip recruiting talent, while outside linebacker Yhonzae Pierre is widely regarded as the program's top pass rusher after recording eight sacks and 14 tackles for loss last season.
Set to face Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, October 24th, both teams could enter the game undefeated, and Texas A&M starting quarterback Marcel Reed will face the Tide for the first time in his career, needing to perform at his very best for the Aggies to have a shot at pulling off the upset.
Last season, Reed threw for a career-high 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, but struggled during the final two games against Texas and Miami in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Still, entering his second full starting season, the expectations couldn't be higher for the Tennessee native.