UCLA Football: Despite AAC Team Commitment, Elite QB Still Open To Bruins Visit

The UCLA Bruins may not be the hottest destination, but they want to change that. With the new additions of head coach DeShaun Foster and offensive coordinator and associate head coach Eric Bieniemy, the Bruins look like a threat on the coaching side. 

Now, they'll look to make some big moves on the player side of things. The Bruins are even considering possibly stealing a commit from a program. One prospect they have their mind on and vice versa is four-star Texas quarterback Keelon Russell. Russell is part of the 2025 class and is committed to SMU. 

Although he is a hard commit, according to 247Sports, he can still exercise his options. That is why if UCLA offers him a possible visit, he will be more than happy to jump at the opportunity. 

Russell spoke to 247Sports' Mike Roach and said he'll be open to UCLA if things don't work out with the Mustangs. 

“I told SMU that my recruitment is still open,” he said. “I’m still looking at other schools, but right now, I’m committed. I had a conversation with coach (Rhett) Lashlee. If the time comes to where I have to decommit and open my recruitment because colleges are coming after me, I want to be honest with them. I don’t want to have any doubts about the school I choose. I’m just looking at things and still exploring. Florida and Texas A&M are schools I’m looking at. Texas has been coming on. UCLA is another one. Just seeing those type of schools and what they have for me. I always wanted to play on the big stage growing up. Playing at like LSU or Texas A&M or Penn State would be like a dream come true. I’m most definitely open for those big schools to still pop in.”

^{—Keelon Russell, via 247Sports}

Russell committed to SMU in September 2023. 

The Bruins don't have any connection to Russell at the moment. However, if they like what they see and there's mutual interest, that could all change in the coming weeks. The quarterback from Duncanville is the 63rd-ranked player in the nation, the seventh quarterback in his class, and the number 11 player in Texas. 

Other schools like Baylor, California, and Duke are on his radar. If the Bruins can land a visit and impress him, they could have their quarterback of the future. It may be a long shot though.