Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell has reportedly rejected a jaw-dropping \$6.5 million NIL offer from USC.

In a remarkable turn of events in college football recruiting, five-star quarterback Keelon Russell has reportedly turned down a staggering $6.5 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer from the University of Southern California (USC). Russell, a top recruit in the 2025 class, had previously committed to Southern Methodist University (SMU) but flipped his commitment to the University of Alabama in June 2024. Despite receiving lucrative offers from other programs, including USC, Russell remained steadfast in his decision to join the Crimson Tide.

Keelon Russell, hailing from Duncanville, Texas, emerged as one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 185 pounds, Russell possesses a dual-threat capability that has drawn comparisons to former LSU and current Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels . In his junior season, he led Duncanville High School to a 14-1 record and a Texas 6A Division 1 state title, throwing for 3,483 yards and 38 touchdowns while adding 361 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns .

Russell’s impressive performance earned him the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year award and a spot in the prestigious Elite 11 Finals, where he was named MVP in June 2024 .

As Russell’s stock soared, so did the interest from top college programs. USC, under head coach Lincoln Riley, reportedly extended a $6.5 million NIL offer to Russell in an attempt to lure him to the West Coast. This offer would have made Russell one of the highest-paid college athletes in the country, surpassing the NIL deals of many established stars.

However, despite the allure of such a substantial financial package, Russell remained unmoved. He emphasized that his decision was based on long-term goals rather than immediate financial gain. “If I do my thing, it’s going to come regardless,” Russell stated, highlighting his belief that success on the field would lead to greater opportunities in the future .

Russell initially committed to SMU on September 21, 2023. However, in June 2024, he flipped his commitment to Alabama, citing the program’s consistent interest and the opportunity to develop under head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer . Russell was particularly impressed by Alabama’s proactive approach, noting that the coaching staff attended one of his less impressive practices but still saw potential in him.

At Alabama, Russell is expected to compete for the starting quarterback position, especially with the potential departure of Jalen Milroe to the NFL Draft. Russell’s decision to join the Crimson Tide reflects his confidence in the program’s ability to develop him into a top-tier quarterback and his belief in the long-term benefits of playing for a storied program like Alabama.

Despite rejecting the $6.5 million offer from USC, Russell has not shied away from capitalizing on his NIL potential. As of March 2025, On3’s NIL rankings valued Russell’s NIL worth at $1.7 million, ranking him No. 3 in college football and No. 34 in the On3 NIL 100 .

Russell’s NIL portfolio includes a multi-year partnership with Panini America, where he will feature in their line of collegiate trading card products . Additionally, he is represented by Team IFA, a firm that manages NIL ventures for high school and collegiate athletes .

These partnerships provide Russell with opportunities to build his personal brand while focusing on his development as a quarterback at Alabama.

Russell’s decision to prioritize long-term success over immediate financial rewards underscores a growing trend among top recruits. Many athletes are recognizing that a strong college career, particularly at a program like Alabama, can lead to more substantial opportunities in the future, both in terms of NIL deals and potential professional careers.

By choosing Alabama, Russell aligns himself with a program renowned for producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks and providing a platform for athletes to succeed both on and off the field. His commitment reflects a strategic approach to his career, focusing on development and future success rather than short-term financial incentives.

As Russell embarks on his college football journey at Alabama, all eyes will be on his development and performance. His decision to reject a $6.5 million NIL offer from USC in favor of joining the Crimson Tide highlights his commitment to his long-term goals and his confidence in Alabama’s ability to help him achieve them. If Russell can translate his high school success to the college level, he could become one of the most prominent figures in college football in the coming years.

In the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, Russell’s story serves as a testament to the importance of strategic decision-making and the pursuit of long-term success over immediate gratification.