Alabama junior quarterback Jalen Milroe has not yet decided whether he will turn pro after this season, but his college career will continue for at least

Alabama's first season under Kalen DeBoer did not go according to plan, as the Crimson Tide narrowly missed the College Football Playoff after going 9–3 in the regular season. Rough losses to Vanderbilt and a .500 Oklahoma team ultimately doomed the Tide, which were left out in favor of 11–2 SMU.

Russell was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year after signing with the Crimson Tide. He flipped to Alabama after previously committing to SMU. According to the 247Sports composite rankings, Russell was the No. 2 quarterback in the 2025 class.