Even though the Alabama Crimson Tide have yet to officially begin the 2026 season, it appears the program already has a player among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy later this fall.
According to FanDuel, Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell currently has odds of +2500 to win the Heisman Trophy this season, as of Thursday, Aug. 27. Russell's odds are currently tied for the eighth-best in college football, joined by fellow quarterbacks Jayden Maiava, Sam Leavitt, and John Mateer.
Ahead of Russell, there are a number of additional quarterbacks with better current odds than the Alabama starter, headlined by Notre Dame's CJ Carr. The Fighting Irish signal caller is the current favorite at +700, as of Thursday, Aug. 27.
Ohio State wide receiver
Jeremiah Smith was the lone non-quarterback ahead of Russell in the odds at +1500. The Crimson Tide also had one other player listed in FanDuel's current odds ahead of Week 1 in wideout Ryan Coleman-Williams at +22500.
Russell, who was recently named the Crimson Tide's starting quarterback, is entering his sophomore season. The quarterback appeared in two games a year ago, completing 11-of-15 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns.
Coleman-Williams enters his third season in Tuscaloosa coming off a 2025 campaign that included 49 receptions for 689 yards and four touchdowns. The junior is Alabama's WR1 entering the fall, and is likely set for a big 2026 season.
Alabama is set to officially open the 2026 season at home Saturday, Sept. 5, against the East Carolina Pirates. The game is set to begin at 11 a.m. CT on ABC.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Where Keelon Russell sits in 2026 preseason Heisman Trophy odds
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