It has been just over a year since the FSU Seminoles shocked the world with their 1 upset over the Alabama Crimson Tide to start the 2025 season. They will have a chance to do it again this Saturday, but it will be tough.
Alabama (2-0, 1-0 SEC) is coming off a blowout win over the Kentucky Wildcats and is looking for revenge against the Seminoles (1-1, 0-1 ACC). FSU has also been terrible on the road over the past two seasons, going 0-10 in games outside Doak Campbell Stadium.
Both teams have several players back from their 2025 showdown, which the Seminoles won 31-17 in Tallahassee, but will also be counting on newcomers. Neither team has the same starting quarterback, with FSU turning to transfer Ashton Daniels and Keelon Russell winning the starting job
for the Crimson Tide.
With FSU firing athletic director Michael Alford on Monday, the pressure has only increased on Mike Norvell to turn the Seminoles around. Saturday will give them a chance to secure a top-10 win that they desperately need before the toughest part of their schedule.
Here are five Alabama players to know ahead of the rematch between FSU and Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
Keelon Russell, Quarterback
Keelon Russell, a former five-star recruit, is in his first year as Alabama's starter and is looking for a statement game. A dynamic dual-threat, he has completed 64.2% of his passes for 444 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions and rushed for 77 yards and another touchdown.
Caleb Woodson, Linebacker
Caleb Woodson quickly emerged as a key part of Alabama's defense, winning the starting middle linebacker spot after transferring in from Virginia Tech. The senior has a team-high 13 tackles, plus 2.0 sacks and 2.0 tackles for loss. He has missed just two tackles this year, something FSU's running backs will look to change.
Ryan Coleman-Williams, Wide Receiver
He has not been the same player since his freshman season, but Ryan Coleman-Williams is still Alabama's No. 1 wide receiver and someone capable of changing a game with explosive plays. The junior does not have a touchdown yet, but leads the team with nine receptions and 173 yards, he is their only player with over 80 receiving yards. He had five receptions for 30 yards against FSU last year.
Devan Thompkins, Defensive Line
Alabama's defensive line could pose problems for FSU's offensive line, which has struggled to start the year and could be trying a new starting combination. Preventing Devan Thompkins from getting to Ashton Daniels will be one of their top tasks. The 6-foot-5, 300-pounder is tied for the team lead in sacks at 2.0 and is capable of playing multiple spots along the defensive line. He also has six tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and five pressures.
Daniel Hill, Running Back
The Alabama running back game is still not where it needs to be, but the Crimson Tide have taken a step forward from last year, and Daniel Hill is a major reason why. The junior leads them in carries (27), yards (151), and touchdowns (3). He is averaging 5.6 yards per carry and will be a test for FSU's defense. He had three attempts for nine yards and caught two passes for 12 yards last year against FSU.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Young quarterback among Alabama players to know vs. FSU in Week 3
