Key takeaways from star quarterback Keelon Russell’s transfer from SMU to Alabama Mustangs fans should be aware of tide
An examination of the ways in which Alabama gains (Dakorien Moore, anyone?) and SMU recovers after Top247’s commitment flip Keelon Russell, quarterback
When Keelon Russell switched his commitment from SMU to Alabama on Tuesday, one of the largest quarterback dominoes in the 2025 class collapsed. One of the most intriguing recruiting stories in the nation revolved around the Top247 quarterback from Duncanville, Texas, but it came to an end when he committed to the Crimson Tide.
According to 247Sports, the 6-foot-3, 175-pound Russell is rated as the seventh-best quarterback in the Class of 2025 and the eighth-best prospect overall in Texas.
Any time a flip is done, the number of questions and possible outcomes increases when a commitment is made. After the dust settles on this significant development, we examine the implications to see how Alabama gains and what becomes of SMU with the loss of its class’s top student.
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JUNE 7-9 OFFICIAL VISITORS: Up-to-date information on an additional loaded group headed for Alabama
Another busy weekend in Tuscaloosa with dignitaries. Bama247 looks at the most recent information regarding every hire for every target.
Twelve recruits visited the school during Alabama’s first official visitors weekend of the summer, culminating in the four-star quarterback Keelon Russell of Duncanville, Texas, being traded from SMU.
Other guests included five-star offensive tackle Ty Haywood, Mater Dei (Calif.) cornerback Chuck McDonald, Valdosta (Ga.) defensive back Todd Robinson, and a few more who were greatly impressed with Kalen DeBoer and his staff.
WEEKEND RECRUITING HUB: Throughout the multi-day excursions, stay current on news from Tuscaloosa.
SUMMER LOOK Ahead: Find out who is scheduled to visit Alabama on business.
Ten additional guests are anticipated for the Crimson Tide starting on Friday. Two committed Peach State linebackers will return to campus, both intending to bolster the class. A top-ranked talent who has committed to another school will investigate Alabama. Three offensive linemen are anticipated, one of them is a legacy from Alabama. Additionally, a couple additional targets will be in town for extended stays.
Who is anticipated to be present on campus this weekend, then? Let’s start by discussing each official visitor’s most recent buzz. There will also be a few uninvited guests on campus.
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Weekly rankings notes: first-ever ratings on official visitors, seven new 4-stars, and more
In addition to highlighting over a dozen important updates in the 2025 class—including seven new four-stars—this edition of our weekly scouting piece is packed with information on three fresh commits from the West Region.
Gabe Brooks
GABE BROOKS
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This week’s weekly rankings comments from 247Sports focus on the senior class. Seven new four-star prospects in the 2025 cycle are the main attraction of this week’s article, and at least four of those new 90-rated prospects ought to be taken into consideration for Top247 Watch.
We also offer insight on several newly-rated prospects who have been doing official visits or who have official visits coming up, because June is currently possibly the busiest month of the year for the recruitment industry with innumerable official visits around the nation. As June goes on, the national scouting crew at 247Sports keeps poring over the remaining unrated visitors. Here’s this week’s summary, starting with the previously mentioned set of new Top247 prospects and four-star prospects.
HARDY WATTS, 2025 IOL, NEW 4-STAR
Hardy Watts (Image courtesy of 247Sports/Brian Dohn)
Hardy Watts of Brookline (Mass.) Dexter School advances to a four-star 90 rating and is currently on Top247 Watch, solidifying his position as the top player in the state of Massachusetts. Watts uses his twitchy lower body, foot agility, and hip strength to his advantage. Watts is a strong, quick drive blocker who makes good use of his bulk. In addition to demonstrating the functional athleticism needed to survive on an island in pass protection, he has demonstrated the necessary mobility ability to climb and pull on time. Watts may be able to supply tackle snaps as a result, even with his IOL projection. This past weekend, Watts made his official debut at Clemson. He also has official visits scheduled at Wisconsin, Duke, and Michigan.
