Two of the biggest names in the 2025 college football recruiting class, Bryce Underwood and Keelon Russell, could make history next season. ESPN insider Pete Thamel recently discussed the chances that either, or both, of the elite quarterbacks could start as true freshmen at Michigan and Alabama.
Pete Thamel Analyzes Freshman QB Prospects Bryce Underwood and Keelon Russell
Underwood, who locked down the title of No. 1 quarterback in the 2025 class per the On3 Industry Rankings, has been on campus at Michigan for only a few months but is already making waves. Meanwhile, Russell, a five-star prospect and Gatorade National Football Player of the Year, is entrenched in a quarterback battle of his own at Alabama.
During a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Thamel explained that while neither freshman has won the job during spring practice, they are very much in the mix heading into fall camp.
Thamel noted that both programs may start veteran options, Ty Simpson at Alabama and Mikey Keene at Michigan, in Week 1, but the door remains open for the dynamic freshmen to take over later in the season.
“Bryce Underwood and Keelon Russell may not be Week 1 starters, but don’t count them out,” Thamel said. “Both schools are in QB transition mode, and if these young guys keep progressing, they could take the reins sooner rather than later.”
Underwood, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 210 pounds, has already drawn comparisons to former NFL standout Vince Young. His arm strength, mobility, and football IQ have made him one of the most anticipated quarterback prospects in recent memory.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance in Michigan’s spring game, Underwood still has room to grow before he’s ready to lead the Wolverines against top-tier competition.
On the other side, Keelon Russell’s resume is just as impressive. Beyond his five-star status, Russell was awarded the prestigious 2024-25 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year. The honor was presented to him by Dallas Cowboys star and Alabama alum Trevon Diggs, a sign of the high expectations that surround him in Tuscaloosa.
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Both quarterbacks are entering programs with intense competition and high expectations. Alabama, in particular, is seeking a new identity under center after years of dominance at the position. Michigan, fresh off a national championship run, is navigating life post-J.J. McCarthy.
The QB battles at both schools will remain must-watch storylines this summer. With preseason practices beginning in August, Underwood and Russell will have another chance to prove they belong on the field this fall.
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