Where the arms race for quarterback supremacy never takes a day off, the arrival of Bryce Underwood at Michigan Wolverines has already sent tremors through the sport. The No. 1 quarterback prospect in the nation isn’t just another hyped recruit—he’s a player who redefines expectations the moment he steps on the field. But down in Tuscaloosa, where five-star quarterbacks are as much a tradition as Bear Bryant houndstooth, Keelon Russell has his own set of aspirations. As the 2025 season approaches, these two young phenoms find themselves on a collision course. This is CFB’s own Lamar vs. Allen battle.

On the Bama and Bourbon podcast, Lance and Aaron unpacked the buzz surrounding these two players while sipping bourbon and letting their analysis flow. Keelon Russell, Alabama Crimson Tide’s five-star signee and the No. 2 quarterback prospect in the country, has been lauded as a generational talent. “His high school coach is publicly saying he’s the best high school player he’s ever seen,” the hosts shared, underscoring the immense pressure Russell already faces. Yet, for all the praise, the physicality comparison between him and Bryce Underwood is already a talking point. “Bryce is nearly as tall—he’s every bit of 6’3—and just chiseled. I mean, he’s got a man body at 17 or 18,” Aaron said.

This is where the battle lines begin to blur. Kalen DeBoer and Bama’s QB of the future, the National Gatorade Player of the Year in 2023, has the pedigree and resume to back up the hype. His dominance at Duncanville was the stuff of legends, leading his team to state championships and shattering records along the way. But the transition to SEC football is a different beast altogether, and even talk gurus acknowledged that physical development will be key. “It’s impossible to gain weight as a teenage boy. Adding strength is a real struggle,” Lance quipped. Still, whispers about Russell hitting a growth spurt, possibly reaching 6’5, suggest his frame is catching up to his game.

On the other hand, Bryce Underwood enters Ann Arbor with the aura of inevitability. As a five-star-plus recruit and the Wolverines’ crown jewel, he’s being groomed to step into the starting role immediately. “Bryce is being compared to Cam [Newton] already,” Aaron noted, a lofty comparison that captures the mix of size, arm talent, and athleticism Underwood brings to the table. Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore hasn’t just built a roster; he’s constructed a juggernaut capable of challenging SEC dominance, as evidenced by Michigan’s recent win over Alabama in 2024.

Crimson Tide’s 2024 season was marked by chaos and inconsistency under Jalen Milroe, leaving Tide fans hungry for stability. Russell’s arrival represents a fresh start, but the expectations are immense. Whether or not Milroe returns, Russell is expected to immediately compete for the starting job, a testament to his talent and Alabama’s confidence in his ability to lead. Yet, as the Bama and Bourbon hosts pointed out, the shadow of Underwood looms large. “Bryce is starting as a true freshman for Michigan,” and they just reminded the listeners. “He’s physically already there.”

The subplot to this burgeoning rivalry lies in their respective programs. Michigan, riding the high of four straight wins over Ohio State and back-to-back victories against Alabama, has become the new face of Big Ten dominance. Now, add the No. 1 vs. No. 2 wild west gunslinging battle to it.

What coach says goes, project Keelon Russell

Before the season even kicked off, Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama coaching staff had their sights set on a game-changer: Keelon Russell. The former SMU commit was more than just a target for the Crimson Tide; he was their quarterback of the future, and they believed he could make an immediate impact. The feeling, it seems, was mutual.

Russell, during a Sunday chat with On3, shared some insight into what sealed the deal for him. “What stood out to me was how badly they wanted me to come in and start ASAP,” Russell said. “When I sat in Coach DeBoer’s office, he was so laid-back and honest. I knew I was getting the real deal from him.”

Despite big-money offers from other programs, Russell made it clear his priorities weren’t about chasing checks. “Man, they gave me the best offer in my heart,” he said. “I’m not worried about the money. I’m here to ball. They were playing for free back then, and I’m playing for free now in my heart. The money will come later.” It was about staying loyal to the people who’ve been there for him all along. “I had to stay home and stay true to my fans and my people,” he said.