Russell shared on his social media accounts that he signed an exclusive multi-year trading card contract with Panini America as his first NIL deal.

After participating in the Under Armour All-America Game last week, Five Star Plus+ quarterback Keelon Russell arrived as an early enrollee at Alabama. He now has his first NIL deal, as well. Russell inked his first multi-year partnership with Panini America,

Five-star quarterback Keelon Russell ended his Texas high school football career in mid-December and has already capitalized on a newfound ability to sign NIL deals.

Russell is already ranked No. 46 on On3 Sports' NIL valuation list and he is bound to skyrocket up as more deals roll in and his profile increases. That will hinge on how soon he can win the starting job at Alabama and if he can make an immediate impact within Kalen DeBoer's offense.

Crimson Tide’s freshman quarterback signee Keelon Russell lands a major NIL deal with Panini America just days after arriving in Tuscaloosa, signaling big things ahead for the top prospect of the 2025 class.