5-star quarterback Keelon Russell put pen to paper and signed with the Crimson Tide, giving head coach Kalen Deboer his signal caller potentially the crown jewel of the Class of 2025. Russell was joined on Instagram Live by Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams as the quarterback signed his letter of intent.

Essentially the only path that guarantees a playoff berth for Alabama is an SMU win, as College Football Playoff selection committee chair Warde Manuel explained: “Those who are not playing [in conference championship games], we will not adjust those teams.” Manuel told ESPN.

Barring an upset in Saturday’s ACC championship game between Clemson and SMU, the three-loss Crimson Tide might be headed back to the CFP for the ninth time in the past 11 seasons. The Hurricanes