Unprecedented Rejection: Keelon Russell Turns Down $6.5M NIL Offer from USC to Stay Loyal to Alabama
By Jackson Reid | Crimson Legacy Sports | May 4, 2025
In a bold and rare move that sent shockwaves through the college football world, Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell has reportedly turned down a staggering $6.5 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal from the University of Southern California. The offer, which would have made Russell one of the highest-paid student-athletes in the country, was flatly rejected by the sophomore phenom — not for lack of interest, but out of loyalty.
“I didn’t come to Alabama for the money,” Russell said in a press conference Saturday. “I came to be part of a legacy. Coach Saban built something here that means more than a check. We’re building on that.”
Sources close to the USC program confirm that the offer included luxury housing in Los Angeles, high-profile brand endorsements, and a lead role in a national marketing campaign for a major sportswear company. Still, Russell opted to remain in Tuscaloosa, where he has already cemented himself as the starting QB after a stellar freshman campaign that saw him lead the Tide to an SEC Championship appearance.
Loyalty Over Luxury
This decision flies in the face of recent NIL trends, where top players are increasingly leveraging their talent for million-dollar deals and high-profile transfers. For Russell, however, the lure of money paled in comparison to the brotherhood he’s forged at Alabama.
“My teammates are family,” Russell added. “We’ve been through blood, sweat, and heartbreak together. No amount of money can replace that.”
The Ripple Effect
Russell’s choice has already started reverberating across the NCAA landscape. Social media exploded with reactions from fans, former players, and sports analysts. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit called it “one of the most admirable choices I’ve seen in the NIL era,” while former Bama QB Bryce Young simply tweeted, “Built different.”
While some critics have questioned whether turning down such a lucrative opportunity is short-sighted, especially given the short shelf-life of football careers, many praise Russell for valuing purpose over profit.
What’s Next?
With Russell staying put, Alabama’s championship hopes remain very much alive. Head coach Kalen DeBoer praised his quarterback’s character: “Keelon’s heart is in the right place. He’s a leader not just on the field, but in every room he walks into.”
The Crimson Tide are already projected as preseason top-3 favorites, and with Russell leading the charge, the road to the Playoff just got a lot clearer.
