11/10/2026 10:00:00 AM | Football
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama's Keelon Russell and Luke Metz each earned semifinalist recognition from the Maxwell Football Club, the organization announced Tuesday. Russell was named a semifinalist for the Maxwell while Metz was a part of the semifinalist list for the Bednarik.
Russell is one of 18 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award, presented annually to the nation's top offensive player. Metz is part of a group of 18 semifinalists for the Bednarik Award, which is given to college football's top defensive player. Finalists for both honors will be named on Nov. 24 with the 2026 winners announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 11.
Alabama has had five Maxwell winners, including AJ McCarron (2013), Derrick Henry (2015), Tua Tagovailoa (2018), DeVonta Smith (2020) and Bryce Young (2021). The Crimson Tide has totaled three Bednarik winners in its history with Jonathan Allen (2016), Minkah Fitzpatrick (2017) and Will Anderson Jr. (2022) all taking home the hardware.
Maxwell Award Semifinalist: Keelon Russell
- One of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country who earned the Crimson Tide's starting quarterback job late in fall camp
- Has thrown for 2,263 yards and 18 touchdowns compared to five interceptions on 165-of-245 passing
- Added 74 rushes for 276 yards and a team-high tying five scores with his legs
- Ranks top-25 nationally and top-four in the SEC for passing yards, touchdowns, points (140) and total offense (282.1)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Bednarik Award Semifinalist: Luke Metz
- Second-year linebacker who earned a starting job this season
- Directs an Alabama defense that leads the SEC and ranks third nationally with 21 turnovers, including 13 interceptions, five of which resulted in a pick-six
- Ranks second on UA with 68 tackles, including half a tackle for loss (-1 yard)
- Leads the team with four turnovers (two interceptions, two fumble recoveries), including a pick-six at Kentucky on Sept. 12
- Also contributed five quarterback hurries to rank second on the defense
